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.
Table of Contents
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.
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.
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.
House centipedes are generalist predators and play a beneficial role in homes by controlling populations of other pests. Their diet includes:
They hunt at night, using their speed and venomous fangs (forcipules) to immobilize prey.
The signs of a house centipede infestation can include:
Note: Large numbers of centipedes often signal an underlying moisture problem or another pest infestation.
House centipedes are attracted to environments that provide:
They often enter homes through expansion cracks, uncapped blocks, floor drains, or gaps around pipes and windows.
Image source: https://www.thespruce.com/
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.
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.
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.
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.
You can use sticky traps or glue boards to trap house centipedes. Place them in areas where you have seen the centipedes.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, but bites are extremely rare and usually cause only mild irritation. House centipedes avoid humans and only bite if threatened.
Reduce moisture, seal entry points, clean regularly, remove clutter, control other pests, use sticky traps, and call a professional if needed.
They eat spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, ants, termites, bed bugs, moths, and other small insects.
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.
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