Centipedes in Houseplant Pots: Harmless Nuisance and Simple Removal Methods

Centipede-like worms in philodendron: brown, 1 inch, hard shell, curl into ball. Not millipedes. Asks identity and removal.

They Are Centipedes

Not harming the plant—just a nuisance.

Submerge pot in sink/tub with warm water to just below rim for 30 minutes—drowns/flushes them.
Add 1 tsp permethrin per gallon water next watering.
Lay a dog flea collar (contains permethrin) on soil surface—3–4 months control.

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