Brown centipedes are common household arthropods. While their appearance can be unsettling, understanding their characteristics and the effects of their bites can help alleviate common fears. This article offers guidance on identifying these creatures, managing bites, and reducing encounters.
Identifying Brown Centipedes
House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata), commonly known as brown centipedes, typically have a yellowish-gray or light brown body, often with three dark stripes. These arthropods are characterized by numerous, long legs, with some species having up to 15 pairs, giving them a bristly appearance. They are known for their rapid movement.
Centipedes differ from millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per body segment and a more rounded, cylindrical body, moving much slower. Unlike millipedes that roll into a ball when threatened, centipedes tend to dart away. Brown centipedes use modified front legs called forcipules to inject venom, located near their head.
The Effects of a Brown Centipede Bite
Brown centipede bites are generally not dangerous to humans. The pain is often compared to a bee sting, and severe complications are rare. Bites typically result in localized symptoms such as immediate pain, redness, and swelling at the site. Some individuals might also experience itching, a burning sensation, or mild numbness around the bite area.
While most reactions are mild, severe symptoms are possible, particularly for individuals with allergies to insect stings. These rare severe reactions can include fever, chills, nausea, headache, or swollen lymph nodes. Life-threatening allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are extremely rare.
Immediate Care and Medical Attention
Promptly wash the affected area with soap and water to minimize infection risk. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the bite can reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines may manage discomfort and mild allergic reactions.
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, persist beyond 48 hours, or if signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, foul odor, or pus develop. Seek immediate medical care for signs of a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, widespread rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate. Children or individuals with underlying health conditions should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Reducing Centipede Encounters
To prevent brown centipedes from entering your home, reduce moisture and eliminate their food sources. Centipedes prefer damp, dark environments, so use dehumidifiers in basements and bathrooms. Repairing leaky pipes and ensuring proper ventilation also reduces humidity levels.
Seal cracks and crevices around foundations, windows, and doors to block entry points for centipedes and other pests. Removing clutter, such as piles of leaves, wood, or other debris, from around the house exterior eliminates hiding spots. Since centipedes feed on other insects like spiders, ants, and cockroaches, managing these pest populations deters centipedes from residing indoors.