It’s a common scene for many homeowners in Aiken. You go into the bathroom late at night, turn on the light, and see something moving quickly across the tile. Whether it’s the many-legged dash of a house centipede, the quick dart of a silverfish, or the slow crawl of a millipede, the reaction is usually the same—disgust and discomfort.
Although these creatures look very different, they share a key trait: a love for damp, dark places. Bathrooms, basements, and kitchens are their favorite hideouts. Their presence often makes homeowners wonder if a bigger problem lurks behind the walls or beneath the floors.
That’s where professional help becomes crucial. Aiken Pest Control, Inc. offers effective treatments for silverfish, centipedes, and millipedes. Besides eliminating pests, our team tackles the conditions that allow them to thrive. We provide moisture control services for long-lasting relief to make your home less inviting to these invaders.
Contact us at (803) 889-0952 for a free quote.
Meet the Moisture-Loving Pests and Their Favorite Spots
Before tackling the root problem, it helps to know more about the pests most often spotted in damp spaces.
The following are the unique characteristics of these common household pests:
- Centipedes – These arthropods have elongated, segmented bodies and move quickly across floors and walls. They’re usually brown or gray, with many species carrying fifteen or more body segments. Their flattened shape allows them to slip into cracks and crevices where moisture collects.
- Millipedes – Unlike centipedes, millipedes are slow-moving and have two pairs of legs per body segment. Their cylindrical bodies can appear slightly flattened and often curl into a tight coil when disturbed. Millipedes favor decaying organic matter and thrive where humidity is constant.
- Silverfish – These wingless insects are carrot-shaped and covered in silvery scales, giving them a metallic sheen. With six legs and a distinctive fish-like wriggling motion, they quickly dart into small hiding spaces.
All three pests are drawn to excess moisture.
Some of the most common household hotspots include:
- Leaky pipes or fixtures
- Humid basements
- Poorly ventilated bathrooms
- Damp crawl spaces
Spotting these pests is rarely about chance; it’s almost always tied to the environmental conditions in your home.
What Pests Are Signaling About Your Home's Moisture Levels
The question many homeowners ask is: Does the presence of these bugs mean I have water damage?
The answer is not clear-cut. Centipedes, millipedes, and silverfish do not damage your home structure. Instead, they serve as reliable signs of a moisture issue. Their presence indicates an area damp enough to support ongoing insect and arthropod activity.
Left unchecked, excess humidity or water intrusion can lead to much bigger problems. Mold growth is one of the main risks. Mold spores thrive in warm, moist environments, spreading quickly through hidden spaces and potentially impacting indoor air quality. Additionally, prolonged dampness can weaken wood, flooring, and drywall, resulting in expensive structural repairs.
Moisture also attracts other unwanted pests, like cockroaches and termites, bringing new challenges. Addressing these smaller, moisture-loving pests early can help fix the core problem before it worsens. Think of them less as the root cause and more as an early warning sign.
Simple Steps to Manage Moisture in Your Home
You have more power than you might realize to reduce the conditions that draw in pests.
A few proactive measures can make a big difference:
- Check for leaky pipes and fixtures – A slow drip under a sink or behind a toilet can create a damp microenvironment that attracts pests. Repairing these leaks is often a quick fix with lasting results.
- Use dehumidifiers – In basements or other humid rooms, a dehumidifier can pull excess moisture from the air and make the space less appealing to pests.
- Improve ventilation – Bathrooms and kitchens benefit from properly working exhaust fans. In crawl spaces, vent adjustments and fans can promote airflow.
- Seal foundation cracks – Even small gaps allow outside moisture to seep in. Sealing them helps keep your home drier and less accessible to pests.
While these steps help, they may not address hidden moisture sources. Professional inspection and treatment can provide peace of mind.
Solving Pest Problems by Addressing Moisture
Aiken Pest Control, Inc. takes a broad approach to home pest management. Spraying might kill the visible pests, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem if indoor conditions still attract infestations. Our technicians dig deeper, identifying moisture issues that draw pests in the first place.
An effective solution we offer is crawl space encapsulation. By sealing and conditioning this area, we help control humidity levels throughout the home, removing one of the most common habitats for pests, mold, and wood decay. This service reduces pest activity and promotes a healthier living environment.
Our staff offers extensive training and practical experience at each home. Every technician has the knowledge and tools to evaluate pest activity and the underlying conditions that enable it to continue. Over decades of service across South Carolina, we have built strong relationships with families who trust us to make their homes healthier and safer.
Our company has strong community roots. Established in 1967, Aiken Pest Control, Inc. has been safeguarding homes and businesses in the Central Savannah River Area for generations. That history influences our approach: thorough work, honest communication, and solutions that consider the entire situation rather than surface-level issues.
Partner with Us for a Healthy Home
Spotting a centipede, silverfish, or millipede in your home is unpleasant, but it doesn’t have to stay a mystery. These pests are indicating something important: your home has a moisture problem that needs fixing. Addressing it now means fewer pests, less mold risk, and better property protection.
Control the moisture, control the pests. Contact us at (803) 889-0952 for a detailed inspection of your home’s damp areas and proven solutions that bring lasting relief.