Are house centipedes harmful?

House centipedes, also known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are common insects found in homes across North America. They have elongated, flattened bodies with 15 pairs of legs. House centipedes are fast-moving and their appearance can be alarming to homeowners. But are house centipedes actually harmful?

Are house centipedes poisonous?

House centipedes are not poisonous to humans. They do not bite or sting, and they do not spread any diseases. While house centipedes have venom glands that help subdue their prey, their jaws are not strong enough to break through human skin. The venom is also not toxic to humans. So house centipedes pose no danger from their venom.

Do house centipedes bite humans?

House centipedes are not aggressive toward humans and will try to avoid contact. They prefer to run away and hide when disturbed. However, if handled roughly, a house centipede may bite in self-defense. The bite causes a bee-sting like pain that normally goes away within a few hours. But there is no lasting harm from a house centipede bite.

What do house centipedes eat?

House centipedes are predators that feed on other insects and arthropods. Their main prey includes:

• Cockroaches
• Silverfish
• Spiders
• Ants
• Bed bugs
• Termites
• Moths
• Flies

So house centipedes help control populations of household pests. They should be considered beneficial predators, not pests themselves.

Do house centipedes carry diseases?

There is no evidence that house centipedes transmit diseases to humans, pets, or other animals. House centipedes prey on insects that can sometimes cause infections, such as cockroaches and flies. So having house centipedes around actually lowers the risk of disease by decreasing populations of disease-carrying pests.

Are house centipedes dangerous to pets?

House centipedes do not pose any danger to household pets like cats and dogs. Pets may try to play with or eat house centipedes if they find them in the home. But house centipedes are not toxic, and pets that ingest them may vomit or have an upset stomach at worst. There are no reports of house centipedes causing any lasting harm to pets.

Do house centipedes infest homes?

House centipedes are occasional invaders that enter homes in search of food and shelter. They do not reproduce or form breeding colonies inside. There are no nests or egg masses to deal with. The number of house centipedes spotted inside is more a reflection of how many are in the area outside. House centipedes found indoors are not evidence of an infestation.

How to control house centipedes

Though not considered a major pest, homeowners may want to control the number of house centipedes inside for peace of mind. Here are some tips:

• Eliminate entry points – Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, pipes, vents, and under siding to prevent access.
• Reduce moisture – House centipedes thrive in damp basements and crawlspaces. Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity under 50%.
• Clean up clutter – House centipedes hide in undisturbed piles of leaves, mulch, firewood, and stones outside. Keep the yard tidy.
• Use insecticides sparingly – Apply low-toxicity pesticides like diatomaceous earth in home entry areas as a deterrent. Avoid spraying indoors.

Will house centipedes go away on their own?

House centipedes found inside will eventually leave or die off on their own without any intervention. They cannot reproduce indoors and will wander back outside if unable to find prey. Cooler fall and winter temperatures also drive house centipedes out of homes as they prefer warmer conditions. So patience and some prevention measures are the best ways to deal with occasional home invaders.

Conclusion

House centipedes look startling but are essentially harmless. They do not bite or spread disease. Their presence indoors means they are hunting household pests like cockroaches and silverfish. House centipedes should be considered natural pest control allies, not indoor nuisances. They can be left alone or gently swept outside if unwanted inside the home. But there is no need for toxic chemicals or extermination services to eliminate house centipedes. A few prevention and exclusion tactics combined with tolerance of the occasional visitor are the best practices for homeowners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do house centipedes eat?

House centipedes are insectivores that prey on other arthropods. They will eat cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, ants, termites, bed bugs, moths, flies, and other small insects. They help control populations of household pests.

How fast can house centipedes run?

House centipedes can run very rapidly, up to 1.3 feet per second. This allows them to speedily catch their prey and escape potential predators. Their many legs propel them lightning-fast across floors and up walls.

Where do house centipedes come from?

House centipedes originate outdoors in moist microhabitats like under leaf litter, mulch, and stones. They enter homes through small openings in search of food and shelter. Cooler temperatures drive them indoors during fall and winter.

Should I kill house centipedes?

You do not need to kill house centipedes. They are harmless to humans and pets, so can be left alone or gently moved outside. And they prey on household pest insects, so are actually beneficial. It is best not to use insecticides against house centipedes.

How can I get rid of house centipedes?

Seal cracks and openings to prevent access. Install door sweeps, weatherstripping, screens, and caulk gaps. Reduce indoor moisture and clutter that attracts them. Insecticides are not necessary or recommended for house centipede control. They will leave on their own if unable to find food.

Are house centipedes dangerous to humans?

House centipedes are not dangerous to humans. They have weak jaws that cannot bite through human skin. The venom in their fangs is also not toxic to humans. House centipedes are timid and run away from people. The only danger is a minor sting if handled.

Do house centipedes jump?

House centipedes do not jump. They move rapidly across floors and walls using their many fast-moving legs. House centipedes to not have hind legs modified for jumping like grasshoppers or crickets. They run to catch prey and escape threats.

Can I handle a house centipede?

It’s best not to handle a house centipede. They are very delicate and handling can damage legs and kill them. Also, if roughly handled, they may sting in self-defense. It’s safest just to leave house centipedes alone or use a broom to gently sweep them outside.

Do house centipedes live alone or in groups?

House centipedes are solitary and do not form social groups or colonies. Each individual hunts alone for prey. Females lay eggs in suitable outdoor microhabitats during warm months, but do not care for young. House centipedes found together indoors are not related.

How do I identify a house centipede?

House centipedes have elongated, flattened bodies with 15 pairs of legs. They are yellowish-grey in color with stripes along their legs and antennae longer than their head. House centipedes move very quickly and have three tail appendages. They reach 1-1.5 inches long at maturity.

Should I use pesticides for house centipedes?

Pesticides are not necessary or recommended to control house centipedes. They are harmless and beneficial predators of other pests. Non-chemical control methods like sealing entry points, reducing moisture, and cleaning up clutter work best. Insecticides may temporarily reduce numbers but also kill beneficial insects.

How long do house centipedes live?

The typical lifespan of a house centipede is 1-2 years. Males may only live for a few months once they are mature. Females can live up to 3 years in ideal conditions. The lifespan depends on food supply, temperature, humidity, and predation pressure. House centipedes live longer indoors due to fewer threats and stable conditions.

Why are house centipedes good?

House centipedes are considered beneficial because they prey on pest insects like cockroaches, silverfish, termites, bed bugs, clothes moths, and carpet beetles. By reducing populations of these household pests, house centipedes help protect homes and prevent damage. So although startling, house centipedes are natural allies.