Meet the House Centipede: What Are They?
House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are fascinating (if a little creepy) creatures. Unlike their outdoor cousins, these centipedes are designed for indoor life. They have elongated, flat bodies that can range from 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Their most striking feature? The 15 pairs of long, delicate legs that give them a “feathery” appearance as they scurry across the floor.
Their yellow-gray bodies, adorned with dark stripes and markings, only add to their otherworldly look. Despite their unsettling appearance, house centipedes are actually skilled predators, helping to control other pests inside your home.
Why Do House Centipedes Come Inside?
House centipedes are drawn indoors for the same reasons as many other insects: food and shelter. As predators, they feast on a variety of small household pests like ants, flies, silverfish, and spiders. If your home provides a steady supply of these insects, it's practically a buffet for the centipede. Plus, your warm, damp spaces—like bathrooms, basements, and closets—are perfect hiding spots for these nocturnal hunters.
Their ability to climb walls and hide in cracks makes them excellent at staying out of sight, but when you do see one, it's likely because they’re on the move searching for their next meal.
Are House Centipedes Dangerous?
Despite their unsettling speed and appearance, house centipedes are not harmful to humans. They do have venom, but it's used to immobilize their prey and is not strong enough to affect us. In fact, most house centipedes are more scared of you than you are of them and will quickly flee if disturbed.
In a way, having a house centipede in your home might even be a good thing—they’re natural pest controllers, after all! However, many people prefer not to share their space with these creepy crawlers, no matter how beneficial they might be.
How to Keep House Centipedes Out of Your Home
If you’d rather not live with house centipedes (understandably!), there are a few steps you can take to make your home less inviting:
- Reduce Moisture: Since house centipedes thrive in damp environments, fixing leaks, improving ventilation, and using dehumidifiers can make your home less appealing.
- Seal Cracks and Gaps: House centipedes are experts at hiding in small crevices. Seal any cracks around doors, windows, and baseboards to limit their hiding spots.
- Eliminate Their Food Sources: Centipedes feed on other pests like ants, spiders, and flies. By keeping your home pest-free, you’ll also discourage centipedes from setting up shop.
- Keep a Clean House: A clutter-free, clean home gives pests fewer places to hide, which in turn gives house centipedes fewer reasons to stick around.
Spotting a House Centipede: What to Do
If you spot a house centipede scurrying across your floor, your first instinct might be to panic. But remember, these creatures are harmless and often beneficial. If you're not keen on keeping them around, your best bet is to remove them gently or use simple deterrent measures to prevent future encounters.
House centipedes may not be the most welcome houseguests, but they are far from the worst. With the right approach, you can enjoy a pest-free home without sharing it with these creepy crawlers.
