# The Best Dehumidifiers for Centipedes

> House centipedes go where it's damp and the bugs they eat are plentiful. Dry the basement and bathroom, seal the gaps, and they lose both reasons to stay.

Canonical: https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-centipedes/
Last updated: 2026-11-05
Published: 2026-11-05
Category: Mold & Allergies
Publisher: Enthusiast Review

If you've ever flipped on a basement light and watched a house centipede race up the wall on its fifteen pairs of legs, you already know where they like to live: damp, dark corners. That's why so many people go looking for a **dehumidifier for centipedes**. The logic is sound. House centipedes dry out quickly in low humidity, so they gather in basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms and under sinks, where moisture keeps them alive and where the silverfish, spiders and roaches they hunt also thrive.

Here's the honest part: a dehumidifier is not an exterminator. It won't kill the centipedes you already have, and it won't stop one from wandering in through a gap under the door. What it does do — and does well — is make your basement and bathrooms far less hospitable, so fewer centipedes (and fewer of the insects they eat) settle in. Pair it with a few sealing and cleanup steps and most homes see a real difference within a season.

Below are the dehumidifiers we'd put in each centipede hot spot, chosen for continuous drainage, humidistat accuracy and the right size for the space.

## Our top picks

- **Best overall:** Frigidaire FFAP5033W1 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP2VXZ2B?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for crawl spaces:** AlorAir Sentinel HD55 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N6C4GPP?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best for bathrooms:** Midea Cube 20 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMY8BC8?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Best value:** Honeywell TP50AWKN — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFQTLVSC?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)
- **Essential add-on:** ThermoPro TP50 — [check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1R0K68?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

For most homes, the **Frigidaire FFAP5033W1** is the best dehumidifier for centipedes: it has basement-scale capacity and a built-in pump, so it can hold humidity down all season without a bucket to empty.

## 1. Frigidaire 50-Pint Dehumidifier with Built-In Pump (FFAP5033W1) — Best overall

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP2VXZ2B?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Built-in pump drains up and out to a sink or window
- Basement-scale 50-pint capacity
- Set-a-percentage digital humidistat
- Bucket still available if you'd rather not run a hose

**Cons**

- Heavy to carry up and down stairs
- Pump hose needs an occasional check for kinks

**Why we picked it:** Centipedes don't leave because a basement was dry for a weekend. You need a unit that keeps the space at or below 50% for months, and the built-in pump is what makes that realistic: no full bucket shutting the machine off halfway through a humid week.

**Performance:** It's a 50-pint compressor dehumidifier, the size most makers recommend for a damp, unfinished basement. The pump can push water to a laundry sink or out a basement window, which is the setup owners consistently say turns a dehumidifier from a chore into something you forget about. Set the humidistat to 45–50%, leave it on auto, and it cycles on and off to hold that number. See more self-draining options in our [best dehumidifier with pump](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-with-pump/) guide.

**Worth knowing:** Run the pump hose to a drain, not into a floor corner. A puddle at the end of the hose is exactly the kind of water source you're trying to eliminate.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 50 pints/day |
| Type | Compressor |
| Drainage | Built-in pump, gravity hose or bucket |
| Humidistat | Digital, set % target |
| Best for | Basements, laundry rooms |

## 2. AlorAir Sentinel HD55 Crawl Space Dehumidifier — Best for crawl spaces

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N6C4GPP?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Low-profile body fits under floor joists
- Built to keep working in cool crawl-space temperatures
- Continuous drain — no bucket to empty
- Rugged housing for unfinished spaces

**Cons**

- Needs a drain route or a separate condensate pump
- Overkill for a single room

**Why we picked it:** If centipedes keep turning up on your first floor, the source is often the crawl space underneath. The HD55 is designed for exactly that job: it lies flat, runs in cool air where household dehumidifiers struggle, and drains continuously.

**Performance:** AlorAir rates it at 55 pints a day under AHAM conditions and lists operation down to about 36°F, which matters in a crawl space that stays cool even in summer. It drains through a hose, so plan a gravity route to a sump or the outdoors, or add a condensate pump. Owners in humid regions commonly run it at 50–55%. It works best in a crawl space with a vapor barrier; our [crawl space dehumidifier installation guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/crawl-space-dehumidifier-installation/) covers setup.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 55 pints/day (AHAM) |
| Type | Low-profile compressor |
| Drainage | Continuous drain hose |
| Low-temp operation | Down to about 36°F |
| Best for | Crawl spaces |

## 3. Midea Cube 20-Pint Smart Dehumidifier (MAD20S1QWT) — Best for bathrooms

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZMY8BC8?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Compact cube fits a large bathroom or laundry room
- Holds an exact humidity target
- Lift-out tank in the base
- Wi-Fi app shows the room's humidity

**Cons**

- Too small for a whole basement
- Tank needs emptying unless you run a hose

**Why we picked it:** Bathrooms and laundry rooms are the second most common place to find house centipedes, usually near the tub or the floor drain. A small unit that pulls the room back below 50% after every shower takes away the damp they depend on.

**Performance:** It's rated at 20 pints a day under the 2019 DOE test, which is plenty for a bathroom, laundry room or small finished basement room. The water collects in a base tank you lift out as one piece, and a gravity-hose outlet lets it drain to a floor drain if there's one nearby. More options live in our [best dehumidifier for bathroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bathroom/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 20 pints/day (DOE 2019) |
| Type | Compressor |
| Drainage | Tank or gravity hose |
| Humidistat | Digital, set % target |
| Best for | Bathrooms, laundry rooms |

## 4. Honeywell TP50AWKN 50-Pint Dehumidifier — Best value

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CFQTLVSC?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Basement-class capacity for less
- Handled bucket with a drain-hose connection
- Simple, reliable controls
- Washable filter

**Cons**

- No built-in pump
- Bucket fills fast in a very wet basement

**Why we picked it:** If you have a floor drain within reach, you don't need to pay for a pump. This Honeywell gives you the same 50-pint class capacity and a gravity-hose connection, so it can still run continuously with no bucket to empty.

**Performance:** It's a straightforward compressor unit with a digital humidistat, a washable filter and auto-restart after a power cut, which matters for a machine you want running all summer. Owners like the sturdy bucket handle and simple controls. Set it on a block or shelf so the hose has a downhill run to the drain. For more value picks, see our [best budget dehumidifier](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-budget-dehumidifier/) guide.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Capacity | 50-pint class |
| Type | Compressor |
| Drainage | Bucket or gravity hose |
| Humidistat | Digital |
| Best for | Basements with a floor drain |

## 5. ThermoPro TP50 Digital Hygrometer — Essential add-on

[Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1R0K68?tag=sktiger-20&linkCode=ll1)

**Pros**

- Inexpensive second opinion on humidity
- Shows temperature and humidity at a glance
- Small enough for a shelf or ledge

**Cons**

- No app or history
- Like any cheap sensor, can read a few points off

**Why we picked it:** The whole strategy depends on keeping the space below about 50%, and a dehumidifier's built-in sensor only reads the air right next to the machine. A separate hygrometer across the room tells you whether the corners where centipedes hide are actually dry.

**Performance:** Put one in the basement and one in the bathroom and check them weekly for the first month. If a reading sits above 55% while the dehumidifier runs, either the unit is undersized or moisture is coming in faster than it can be removed. Our [best dehumidifier for silverfish](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-silverfish/) guide uses the same approach for other moisture pests.

| Spec | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Measures | Humidity and temperature |
| Display | Digital |
| Power | Battery |
| Best for | Checking the 50% target |

## Centipedes and humidity, by the numbers

- **15 pairs** — Legs on an adult house centipede, the species most often found indoors
- **Below 60%** — Indoor humidity the EPA recommends to limit mold, ideally 30–50%
- **45–50%** — A practical humidistat setting for basements with pest problems

House centipedes lose water through their bodies easily, which is why they cling to damp spaces. Holding a basement at 45–50% doesn't poison them; it just makes the space a poor place to live. It also dries out the mold and damp debris that feed silverfish, springtails and other insects, cutting the centipedes' food supply at the same time.

## How we pick dehumidifiers for centipedes

We don't lab-test dehumidifiers. We compare capacity ratings under the 2019 DOE procedure (or AHAM ratings for crawl-space units), ENERGY STAR listings and manufacturer manuals for drainage, operating temperature and controls. Then we read owner reviews for recurring problems — pumps that fail, buckets that crack, sensors that drift — and check CPSC recall records.

For this guide, we weighted **continuous drainage** most heavily, because pest control is a months-long job, not an overnight one. We also matched each pick to the places house centipedes actually live: unfinished basements, crawl spaces and bathrooms.

## What to look for in a dehumidifier for centipedes

- **Continuous drainage:** A pump or gravity hose lets the unit run for weeks. A bucket that fills and shuts the unit off overnight lets humidity bounce right back.
- **Size for the source:** A centipede in the kitchen often started in the basement. Size the dehumidifier for the damp space below, not the room where you spotted it. Our [dehumidifier size guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-size-guide/) helps.
- **A humidistat you can set:** Pick a model that holds a percentage, then aim for 45–50%. Our [humidistat settings guide](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/dehumidifier-humidistat-settings-guide/) covers seasonal targets.
- **Low-temperature operation:** Basements and crawl spaces run cool. Look for auto-defrost, or a crawl-space unit rated for temperatures in the 30s or 40s.
- **A separate hygrometer:** Check the far corners, not just the air next to the machine.

## Will a dehumidifier get rid of centipedes?

On its own, rarely completely — but it's one of the most effective long-term steps you can take. Think of it as removing the two things that keep centipedes indoors: moisture and prey. Once a basement stays dry, the population usually shrinks over a few months because fewer centipedes survive and fewer insects are around to feed them.

What a dehumidifier won't do is stop new arrivals. House centipedes also come in from outdoor mulch, leaf litter and stone piles, slipping under doors and through foundation gaps. That's why the sealing steps below matter as much as the machine.

> **When to call a pro:** If you're seeing centipedes daily, the real issue may be a large population of the insects they eat. A licensed pest control professional can identify what's feeding them and treat that directly.

## Pest-proofing steps to pair with your dehumidifier

1. **Fix the water first.** Repair dripping pipes, sweating cold-water lines and leaky washing-machine hoses. Clean gutters and make sure downspouts discharge well away from the foundation.
2. **Seal entry points.** Caulk gaps around basement windows, utility penetrations and sill plates. Add door sweeps to exterior and basement doors.
3. **Pull mulch and debris back.** Keep mulch, firewood, leaf piles and stones at least a foot or two from the foundation.
4. **Declutter the basement.** Cardboard boxes on the floor hold moisture and give insects cover. Switch to sealed plastic bins on shelves.
5. **Run the bathroom fan.** Leave the exhaust fan on during and for about 20 minutes after showers, and wipe standing water off tub ledges.
6. **Cover the sump and floor drains.** A tight sump lid and a working trap in floor drains block a common damp hiding spot.
7. **Use sticky traps to monitor.** Glue traps along basement walls show whether numbers are dropping over time.

## Where centipedes hide — and which unit fits

| Spot | Why centipedes like it | Best tool |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Unfinished basement | Cool, damp, full of insects | 50-pint unit with pump or floor-drain hose |
| Crawl space | Bare soil, high humidity, dark | Low-profile crawl-space dehumidifier plus vapor barrier |
| Bathroom | Shower moisture, damp drains | Exhaust fan plus a 20-pint unit if it stays humid |
| Laundry room | Washer leaks, drying laundry | 20–35 pint unit with a hose to the floor drain |
| Under sinks | Slow leaks, condensation on pipes | Fix the leak; a renewable silica pack for the cabinet |

If you also see silverfish or cockroaches, the same moisture is likely feeding all of them. Our guides to the [best dehumidifier for cockroaches](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-cockroaches/) and [silverfish](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-silverfish/) cover what changes for each pest.

## The bottom line

The best dehumidifier for centipedes is one that keeps their favorite hideout below 50% humidity, month after month. For most basements that's the **Frigidaire FFAP5033W1** with its built-in pump. Choose the **AlorAir Sentinel HD55** if the problem starts in a crawl space, the **Midea Cube 20** for a bathroom or laundry room, and the **Honeywell TP50AWKN** if a floor drain makes a pump unnecessary. Add a hygrometer, seal the gaps, clear the clutter — and give it a season to work.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does a dehumidifier get rid of centipedes?

It helps a lot, but it isn't an extermination method. House centipedes need moisture to survive, so keeping a basement or bathroom at 45–50% humidity makes it inhospitable and reduces the insects they eat. Combine it with sealing gaps, fixing leaks and clearing clutter for the best results.

### What humidity level keeps centipedes away?

Aim for 45–50% relative humidity in basements and bathrooms. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60%, ideally 30–50%, and that same range discourages centipedes, silverfish and mold.

### What size dehumidifier do I need for centipedes in my basement?

Most damp basements need a 50-pint unit. Choose one with a built-in pump or put it near a floor drain so it can run continuously. A small, closed-off finished room can get by with 20–35 pints.

### Why do I have so many centipedes in my house?

Usually because you have damp areas and plenty of insects for them to eat. Leaks, high basement humidity, mulch against the foundation and cardboard clutter all contribute. Fix the moisture and the food supply and their numbers drop.

### How long does it take a dehumidifier to reduce centipedes?

Expect to see a difference over several weeks to a few months. The dehumidifier can dry the air in days, but the population declines gradually as fewer centipedes and prey insects survive in the drier space.

### Are house centipedes dangerous?

They're mostly a nuisance. House centipedes can bite if handled, which may feel like a minor bee sting, but they don't damage the house or spread disease, and they actually eat other household pests.

## Related guides

- [The Best Dehumidifiers for Silverfish, Springtails and Booklice](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-silverfish/)
- [The Best Dehumidifiers for Cockroaches](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-cockroaches/)
- [The Best Basement Dehumidifiers for Mold, Damp and Musty Smells](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-basement/)
- [The Best Crawl Space Dehumidifiers](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-crawl-space-dehumidifier/)
- [The Best Portable Dehumidifiers for Your Bathroom](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/best/best-dehumidifier-for-bathroom/)
- [When to Use a Dehumidifier (and When Not To)](https://www.enthusiastreview.com/guides/when-to-use-a-dehumidifier/)

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*Enthusiast Review researches products against DOE ratings, ENERGY STAR data, manuals, CPSC recalls and owner reviews; it does not run a test lab. Amazon links are affiliate links (tag sktiger-20).*