House centipedes are common arthropods often found in homes. Their appearance can cause alarm, leading many to wonder if they pose a risk to humans. This article clarifies whether house centipedes are dangerous, discussing their characteristics, bite effects, and how to coexist with them.
What House Centipedes Look Like
The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, has a distinctive appearance. Their bodies are typically yellowish-grey or brownish-yellow, featuring three dark longitudinal stripes. Measuring about 25 to 38 millimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) long, their numerous legs and long antennae can make them appear larger, up to 75 to 100 millimeters (3 to 4 inches) in overall length.
They possess 15 pairs of long, slender legs that increase in length towards the rear, with the last pair often exceptionally long. These legs allow them to move with remarkable speed across surfaces like floors, walls, and ceilings. House centipedes also have well-developed, faceted eyes.
What Happens if They Bite
House centipedes possess venom and can bite, but incidents are rare, typically occurring only if they feel threatened. Their fangs, known as forcipules, are generally too weak to easily penetrate human skin. If a bite occurs, it often results in a sensation comparable to a bee sting, characterized by mild pain, redness, and localized swelling.
The bite marks may appear as two small puncture wounds, sometimes forming a V-shape. Symptoms like a burning sensation, itchiness, or tenderness might accompany the pain. These effects are usually temporary, with discomfort typically subsiding within a few hours to a few days.
The Real Risk to Humans
House centipedes are considered harmless to humans and are not aggressive. They prefer to avoid human contact and usually flee quickly when disturbed. While venomous, their venom is not dangerous to humans.
Systemic reactions or severe medical issues from a house centipede bite are extremely uncommon. Serious allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are very rare, similar to severe reactions to bee stings.
House centipedes play a beneficial role as predators of other household pests. They hunt and consume insects such as spiders, bed bugs, cockroaches, silverfish, and carpet beetle larvae. Their presence often indicates an existing infestation of other insects.
Coexisting with House Centipedes
For those who prefer not to share their living space with house centipedes, humane removal methods are available. One approach involves gently sweeping the centipede into a dustpan or container and releasing it outdoors, away from the home. Vacuuming can also be used to remove them; the vacuum bag or cup should then be emptied into a sealed plastic bag and disposed of outside.
Preventing their presence involves making your home less attractive. House centipedes are drawn to dark, damp environments and other pests as a food source. Reducing moisture in areas like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces by using dehumidifiers or fixing leaks can deter them. Sealing cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, and around windows and doors can also prevent their entry. Eliminating other household pests through regular cleaning and pest control measures will remove their food supply.
Medical attention for a house centipede bite is typically not necessary unless symptoms worsen, signs of infection develop, or a severe allergic reaction occurs. Symptoms that warrant medical attention include a fever, red streaks near the bite, pus, significant swelling, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or dizziness. Applying a cold compress and cleaning the bite area with soap and water can help manage mild symptoms.