Hawaiian centipedes are a common concern for residents and visitors, prompting questions about their potential danger. The species Scolopendra subspinipes is the most frequently encountered and medically significant across the islands. While their appearance can be startling, understanding their nature provides clarity.
Understanding Centipede Venom
Hawaiian centipedes are venomous, not poisonous. This distinction is important: venomous creatures inject toxins, typically through a bite or sting, while poisonous organisms release toxins when touched or ingested. Centipedes deliver venom through specialized appendages called forcipules, located near their head. These function like pincers, equipped with hollow fangs connected to venom glands. The venom of Scolopendra subspinipes is a complex mixture of compounds designed to incapacitate prey. While their bites cause considerable pain, they are generally not life-threatening to healthy humans. Centipedes use their venom for hunting smaller animals like insects, spiders, and small reptiles. Scolopendra subspinipes can grow up to 20 centimeters (approximately 7.9 inches).
Symptoms and Severity of a Bite
A Hawaiian centipede bite often results in immediate, sharp pain at the site of contact. This pain is frequently described as a burning sensation that spreads outwards from the two distinct puncture marks left by the forcipules. Localized reactions include swelling, redness, and sometimes bruising around the affected area. Some individuals may also experience numbness, tingling, or itching.
The intensity and duration of symptoms vary based on the centipede’s size, the amount of venom injected, and individual sensitivity. While localized pain and swelling usually subside within a few days, they can occasionally persist for up to three weeks. In less common instances, systemic reactions may occur, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, mild fever, or chills. More severe complications, like tissue necrosis or anaphylaxis, are rare.
First Aid and Medical Care
For a centipede bite, initial first aid involves thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area can reduce pain and swelling. Immersing the bite in warm water can also help denature the venom’s proteins and lessen symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort.
While most bites resolve without extensive medical intervention, seek professional medical attention in certain situations. These include signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or face, widespread hives, or a rapid heart rate. Medical consultation is also recommended if pain is severe and persistent, if there are signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, or pus, or for vulnerable individuals such as young children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems. Ensure tetanus vaccination is up to date.
Prevention and Identification
Preventing encounters with Hawaiian centipedes involves several practical measures. Centipedes seek dark, damp environments, often hiding under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other debris outdoors. Indoors, they are found in moist areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Inspecting shoes, clothing, and bedding before use, especially if left on the floor or outdoors, helps avoid accidental bites.
To deter centipedes from homes, seal cracks or gaps in foundations, walls, doors, and windows. Reducing indoor moisture through proper ventilation and fixing leaks, and minimizing clutter, makes the environment less appealing. Eliminating other household pests that serve as a food source can further reduce their presence. Scolopendra subspinipes are generally large, ranging from dark brown to reddish-brown with yellowish or orange legs, and have segmented bodies.