What You Should Know About The House Centipede

From all of the known pests that can infest your home and cause trouble, house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are perhaps one of the most non-aggressive ones that usually don’t require an immediate call to the local pest infestation company. Although not visually attractive for most people, one or two house centipedes in the house isn’t really something to worry about. However, if things get out of hand and house centipedes multiply in your indoor area, you’re in for some headaches.

This comprehensive guide will introduce you to house centipedes in detail: what they are, what they eat, whether they bite, how to identify an infestation, and the most effective ways to get rid of them—plus key statistics and insights to help you understand their role in your home.

What are House Centipedes?

House centipedes are arthropods belonging to the family Scutigeridae. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, they are now found worldwide, thriving in human dwellings, especially in temperate climates.

Key Stats & Features:

• Scientific Name: Scutigera coleoptrata
• Body Length: 1–1.5 inches (25–38 mm); with legs and antennae, total length appears 3–4 inches (75–100 mm).
• Legs: 15 pairs; the last pair on females can be nearly twice the body length.
• Speed: Among the fastest arthropods, reaching up to 0.4 meters/second (1.5 km/h or 1.3 ft/s).
• Color: Yellowish-grey body with three dark dorsal stripes; legs are banded light and dark.
• Eyes: Unlike most centipedes, house centipedes have well-developed compound eyes.
• Lifespan: 3–7 years, depending on environment and conditions.
• Reproduction: Females can lay up to 150 eggs over their lifetime, usually in damp, protected areas.

House Centipede Life Cycle

The house centipede undergoes a fascinating transformation as it matures, with its development marked by multiple molts and gradual leg growth. Understanding each stage of its life cycle can help in identifying and managing these creatures in your home.

• Eggs: Laid in moist, hidden locations.
• Larvae: Hatch with 4 pairs of legs; gain more legs with each molt, reaching 15 pairs as adults.
• Maturity: Typically reached after 10 molts; breeding can begin in the third year.
• Longevity: Adults can live for several years, especially indoors, where conditions are stable.

Do House Centipedes Bite?

House centipedes are capable of biting, but bites are extremely rare and not considered dangerous to humans. When bites do occur, they typically cause only mild, localized pain, redness, or swelling, similar to a bee sting. House centipedes are reclusive and prefer to avoid human contact, only biting if they are handled or feel threatened. Their venom is designed to subdue small insect prey and is not harmful to people or pets. If you are bitten, basic first aid—such as washing the area and applying an ice pack—should be sufficient. Severe allergic reactions are very rare, but if you experience significant swelling or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

It’s important to note that even though house centipedes are not harmful to humans, their presence can be unsettling, and if you have a severe infestation, you may want to seek professional help to eliminate them.

What do house centipedes eat?

House centipedes are generalist predators and play a beneficial role in homes by controlling populations of other pests. Their diet includes:

• Spiders
• Cockroaches
• Silverfish
• Firebrats
• Carpet beetle larvae
• Ants
• Termites
• Moths
• Bed bugs
• Other small arthropods

They hunt at night, using their speed and venomous fangs (forcipules) to immobilize prey.

Signs of a house centipede infestation 

The signs of a house centipede infestation can include:

• Sightings of centipedes – Seeing house centipedes in the home, especially in damp and dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. They are nocturnal creatures and are typically more active at night.
• Molted exoskeletons – You may find discarded molted exoskeletons, which are the shed outer covering of the centipede as it grows.
• Damage to walls and ceilings – House centipedes move quickly across walls and ceilings, and you may notice small holes or marks on the walls or ceilings as a result of their activity.
• Presence of other insects – House centipedes feed on other insects, so if you notice an infestation of other insects such as spiders, moths, or silverfish, it could be an indicator of a house centipede infestation.

Note: Large numbers of centipedes often signal an underlying moisture problem or another pest infestation.

Why Do You Have House Centipedes?

House centipedes are attracted to environments that provide:

• High humidity or moisture (leaky pipes, damp basements)
• Abundant prey (other insects)
• Safe harborage: cracks, crevices, clutter, and storage boxes

They often enter homes through expansion cracks, uncapped blocks, floor drains, or gaps around pipes and windows.

How to get rid of house centipedes

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If you’re experiencing a severe house centipede infestation and you feel that it’s time to take measures, here are some steps you can take to get rid of the problem.

1. Eliminate moisture

House centipedes are attracted to damp and humid environments, so it’s important to eliminate any sources of moisture in your home. Fix any leaks, use dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ventilate damp spaces such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.

2. Seal up entry points

House centipedes can enter your home through small cracks and holes, so it’s important to seal up any potential entry points. Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, doors, and pipes, and use door sweeps to seal the bottom of doors.

3. Keep the house clean

House centipedes are attracted to food debris and other organic materials, so it’s important to keep your home clean and free of crumbs, spills, and food scraps. Vacuum and mop floors regularly, and take out the garbage frequently.

4. Traps

You can use sticky traps or glue boards to trap house centipedes. Place them in areas where you have seen the centipedes.

5. Control Other Pests

To control other pests, it is important to address any infestations of cockroaches, ants, and other insects, as these serve as food sources for house centipedes. Additionally, you should store food in airtight containers and take out the garbage frequently to minimize attractants for both centipedes and their prey.

6. Clean Drains

When cleaning drains, pour vinegar or a diluted bleach solution down them to discourage centipedes from hiding in these moist areas. However, never mix bleach and vinegar, as this combination can produce dangerous fumes.

7. Professional extermination

If you suspect you have a severe infestation or you can’t get rid of them, it’s best to contact a professional exterminator to help you identify and eliminate the problem.

House Centipede Prevention Tips

• To prevent house centipedes, maintain indoor humidity below 50% and repair any water leaks while improving drainage around your home.
• Regularly inspect and seal entry points to prevent centipedes from getting inside.
• Keeping your home clean and clutter-free also reduces hiding spots, and storing cardboard boxes off the floor and away from damp areas further discourages centipede infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do house centipedes bite?

Yes, but bites are extremely rare and usually cause only mild irritation. House centipedes avoid humans and only bite if threatened.

How to get rid of house centipedes?

Reduce moisture, seal entry points, clean regularly, remove clutter, control other pests, use sticky traps, and call a professional if needed.

What do house centipedes eat?

They eat spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, termites, bed bugs, moths, and other small insects.

How to get rid of centipedes in the house?

Follow the same steps as above: eliminate moisture, seal entry points, clean, declutter, control other pests, use traps, and seek professional help for severe cases.

Conclusion

House centipedes may look intimidating, but they are harmless to humans and pets and play a crucial role in controlling other household pests. Their presence often points to excess moisture or an abundance of other insects. By reducing humidity, sealing entry points, and maintaining a clean home, you can prevent and control house centipede populations effectively. For persistent problems, professional assistance is recommended.

With this comprehensive, fact-rich guide, you’re equipped to understand, prevent, and manage house centipedes in your home, turning a potential nuisance into a natural ally in pest control.

We hope that this information will come in handy if you spot a house centipede at home.