Sub-basements, mechanical rooms, and storage levels get little foot traffic, and they tend to stay damp. For property managers in Bergen County and neighboring Passaic County, those conditions invite centipedes and silverfish, two pests that rarely draw attention until tenants start complaining.
Both are signs of an underlying moisture and food-source problem. This guide explains what attracts them, what damage they cause, and how to keep them out of commercial and multi-family basements.
Why Basements Attract Centipedes and Silverfish
Both pests prefer dark, humid, undisturbed spaces. Sub-basements often combine:
- High humidity from leaks, poor ventilation, or condensation on pipes
- Floor drains and sump areas that stay damp
- Cardboard, paper, and stored records that provide food and shelter for silverfish
- Other insects, which centipedes hunt
A basement with many centipedes usually has other insects feeding them. That makes the centipedes an indicator of a larger problem rather than the problem itself.
Understanding the Two Pests
Centipedes
House centipedes are fast-moving predators with long, thin legs. They hunt insects like silverfish, roaches, and spiders. They don’t damage buildings, but they alarm tenants and employees, and they signal that other pests are present.
Silverfish
Silverfish are small, silvery, teardrop-shaped insects that feed on starches. They chew on paper, cardboard, book bindings, wallpaper paste, and some fabrics. In commercial buildings, that can mean damage to stored documents, packaging, and inventory.
What They Can Cost a Commercial Property
Beyond the damage itself, basement pests create several business problems:
- Tenant and employee complaints, especially in shared storage or mechanical areas
- Damaged records, supplies, or inventory in storage
- Reputation concerns for buildings marketed as clean and well maintained
- Hidden moisture problems that grow worse if ignored
Our article on pest management for businesses goes deeper on how pests affect reputation, health, and finances.
Steps to Reduce Basement Pest Activity
Controlling these pests starts with changing the conditions they depend on.
- Reduce humidity. Use dehumidifiers and improve ventilation. Aim to keep relative humidity low, ideally below about 50 percent.
- Repair leaks and condensation. Fix dripping pipes and insulate cold-water lines that sweat.
- Swap cardboard for sealed plastic bins and keep items off the floor and away from walls.
- Seal gaps around pipes, foundation walls, and door frames to reduce entry points.
- Clear debris and keep drains clean and flowing.
Our repairs and exclusions service covers sealing entry points, and our spider control service is useful when spiders, another centipede prey species, are also present.
When to Bring in a Professional
Consider a professional inspection if:
- Centipedes or silverfish keep returning after you’ve cleaned and dried the space
- You’re seeing them in tenant spaces, not just basements
- Stored materials are being damaged
- Other pests, like roaches or spiders, are also present
A professional can identify the species, locate harborage areas, and recommend both treatment and moisture fixes. For ongoing properties, a scheduled program is usually more effective than occasional visits. See our guide on how often to hire commercial pest control and our overview of commercial pest control strategies in NJ.
Serving Bergen and Passaic County Properties
Bergen County properties range from older Fort Lee apartment buildings to commercial space in downtown corridors, and Passaic County has many aging multi-family buildings. We provide service in Fort Lee, Paterson, and across the wider Bergen County service area. You can also see how we handle roach control in Bergen County, since roaches often show up in the same damp basements.
Take Control of Your Lower Levels
If your property has persistent basement pest problems, an inspection can identify the moisture and entry issues behind them. Contact Clearview Pest Control to set up a property assessment.
