House Centipedes

What Are House Centipedes?

House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda. These creatures are characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies and numerous legs, which can range from 15 to over 100, depending on their age and species. House centipedes are often found in various regions around the world and are particularly common in North America.

House centipedes are primarily nocturnal and are named for their frequent presence indoors, especially in houses and buildings. They prefer dark, damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. These centipedes are skilled hunters and primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods, making them beneficial in controlling pest populations.

Their long, agile legs allow them to move swiftly and capture prey, while their venomous fangs help immobilize and digest their victims. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, house centipedes are generally harmless to humans and pets. Their bite, though rare, may cause mild pain and discomfort but is not considered medically significant.

These centipedes play a vital ecological role by helping to keep insect populations in check. While they may startle homeowners when encountered, they are generally considered beneficial due to their pest-controlling behavior. If their presence becomes a nuisance, it is advisable to address underlying moisture issues and seal entry points to reduce their access to indoor spaces.

What Do House Centipedes Look Like?

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) have distinctive physical characteristics that set them apart from other arthropods. Here is a detailed description of their appearance:

• Body: House centipedes have an elongated and flattened body, which is divided into numerous segments. The body can vary in length from about 1 to 1.5 inches, depending on their age and species.
• Legs: Perhaps the most striking feature of house centipedes is their many legs. They typically have 15 pairs of legs, which amounts to a total of 30 legs. The legs are long, slender, and thread-like, giving them a spindly appearance. The first pair of legs is noticeably longer than the others, which helps them capture prey.
• Coloration: House centipedes are often pale yellowish to grayish-brown in color. They may have dark stripes or bands running along the length of their body. Their legs are lighter in color compared to their body.
• Antennae: At the front of their body, house centipedes have a pair of long, segmented antennae that are used for sensory perception.
• Mandibles: House centipedes have large, prominent mandibles (jaws) equipped with venomous fangs. These fangs are used to capture and immobilize their prey.
• Eyes: They possess a cluster of simple eyes, known as ocelli, located on the sides of their head. While their vision is limited, these eyes help them detect light and movement.
• Segments: Their body is divided into numerous segments, and each segment bears a pair of legs. The rear segments of their body often have longer bristles.

House centipedes have a somewhat eerie appearance due to their numerous legs and elongated body. However, they are generally harmless to humans and are more beneficial than harmful because they help control indoor insect populations by preying on pests like spiders, flies, and cockroaches.

Where Are House Centipedes Found?

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) can be found in various locations, primarily in indoor and outdoor environments, though they tend to favor damp, dark areas. Here are some common places where you might encounter house centipedes:

• Indoors: House centipedes are often found inside homes, particularly in areas with high humidity. Common indoor locations include basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, kitchens, utility rooms, laundry rooms, and garages.
• Outdoor Spaces: While house centipedes are primarily indoor dwellers, they can also be found in outdoor areas, especially if the environment is suitable. These areas may include underneath rocks and stones, in leaf litter and garden mulch, beneath logs and decaying wood, and in compost piles.
• Greenhouses: House centipedes can sometimes find their way into greenhouses, attracted by the humidity and the presence of other insects.
• Damp, Dark Environments: House centipedes are particularly drawn to environments with high moisture levels and plenty of hiding places. They may seek shelter in cracks and crevices, behind baseboards, and in wall voids.
• Near Light Sources: At night, house centipedes are attracted to light sources, so you may occasionally see them around windows or light fixtures.

House centipedes are primarily beneficial because they prey on other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. However, if you find them in large numbers or they become a nuisance, it's advisable to address any underlying moisture issues in your home, seal cracks and gaps, and reduce clutter where they can hide. This can help deter their presence. If their presence is persistent and problematic, you may consider seeking the assistance of a pest control professional.

What Is The Life Cycle Of House Centipedes?

The life cycle of house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) consists of several stages, including egg, larva, and adult. Here is a detailed overview of their life cycle:

• Egg Stage: House centipedes begin their life cycle as eggs. The female lays clusters of small, pearly-white eggs in protected, sheltered locations, such as cracks, crevices, and other concealed spots with high humidity. The exact number of eggs per cluster can vary but is typically around 35 to 60 eggs. The female guards and cares for the eggs, which can take several weeks to hatch.
• Larval Stage: Once the eggs hatch, the immature house centipedes emerge as larvae. During this stage, they have fewer legs than adults and do not yet possess the full complement of legs that characterizes the adult centipede. Over time, they molt multiple times, gradually increasing the number of leg pairs and body segments with each molt. The larvae are voracious predators, actively hunting and feeding on small insects and other arthropods.
• Nymphal Stage: As the larvae continue to grow and develop, they transition through several nymphal stages, each marked by additional molts. During these stages, they become increasingly similar in appearance to adult house centipedes, with more leg pairs and body segments.
• Adult Stage: After undergoing several molts and reaching maturity, house centipedes become adults. Adult house centipedes have around 15 pairs of legs and are fully capable of reproducing. They continue to hunt for prey, helping to control insect populations within their habitat.

House centipedes do not undergo metamorphosis like some insects; instead, they experience gradual development from egg to adult through a series of molts. Their lifespan varies depending on environmental conditions and available food sources, but they can live for several years in suitable habitats.

House centipedes are more commonly encountered as adults, as they tend to remain hidden during their earlier developmental stages. Additionally, they are known for their agility and speed, which allows them to capture prey effectively throughout their life cycle.

House Centipede Diet

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are voracious predators, and they play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations within their habitat. Their diet primarily consists of a variety of small arthropods and insects. Here is a list of common prey items that house centipedes feed on:

• Spiders: House centipedes are known for their ability to capture and consume spiders, including common household spiders like cellar spiders, cobweb spiders, and house spiders.
• Insects: They prey on a wide range of insects, making them effective pest controllers. Common insect prey include cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs, moths, flies, ants, termites, crickets, and beetles.
• Other Arthropods: House centipedes may also feed on other arthropods, such as centipedes (including other species), millipedes, springtails, and small mites.

House centipedes are agile hunters, and their long, fast legs allow them to chase down and capture prey. They use their venomous fangs to inject venom into their prey, immobilizing it and aiding in the digestion process. While they primarily hunt live prey, they may scavenge on dead insects if live prey is scarce.

As natural predators of various household pests, house centipedes can be beneficial to have in your home, as they help keep unwanted insect populations in check. However, if their presence becomes a nuisance or if you're uncomfortable with them indoors, it's important to address the underlying conditions that may be attracting pests and consider preventive measures to reduce their entry into your living spaces.

Learn more: What Do House Centipedes Eat?

Are House Centipedes Dangerous?

House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are generally not considered dangerous to humans. While they may appear unsettling due to their numerous legs and fast movements, these arthropods are actually beneficial in many ways:

• Venom and Bites: House centipedes possess venomous fangs, but their venom is not harmful to humans. They primarily use their venom to immobilize and consume their prey, which consists of insects like spiders, roaches, and silverfish.
• Predatory Nature: House centipedes are excellent natural pest controllers. They feed on a variety of household pests, helping to keep their populations in check. This makes them valuable allies in the battle against more troublesome insects.
• Non-Aggressive Behavior: House centipedes are not aggressive toward humans and do not seek to bite or sting. They are shy creatures and will typically avoid human contact if possible. If you do come across one, it's more likely to scurry away to avoid you.
• Limited Contact: House centipedes are predominantly nocturnal, which means they are active at night and tend to hide during the day. As a result, most people rarely encounter them.
• No Known Allergies or Diseases: Unlike some insects, house centipedes are not known to transmit diseases or allergens that could harm humans. Their presence in your home is more of a nuisance than a health risk.
• Moisture Seekers: House centipedes are often found in damp and humid areas of the house, such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Their presence might be an indicator of excess moisture, but they themselves do not cause structural damage.

House centipedes are not dangerous to humans and can be considered beneficial due to their role in controlling other household pests. If you find them in your home and are uncomfortable with their presence, it's best to address the underlying moisture or pest issues that may be attracting them rather than trying to eliminate them, as they can help keep your home relatively pest-free.

Learn more: Are House Centipedes Dangerous?

Frequently Asked Questions About House Centipedes

Do house centipedes bite?

House centipedes can bite but rarely do. Their venom is not harmful to humans, and bites usually only occur when the centipede is directly threatened or feels cornered.

Learn more: Do House Centipedes Bite?

Are house centipedes poisonous?

House centipedes are not considered poisonous to humans but possess venom used to immobilize prey. Their bites are usually mild and rarely pose serious health risks.

Learn more: Are House Centipedes Poisonous?