Centipedes are arthropods with elongated, segmented bodies and numerous legs. These predatory creatures hunt other insects and small invertebrates, using venom to subdue their prey. While centipede bites can be painful for humans, severe complications are uncommon. This article discusses centipede bites, their typical reactions, and recommended actions.
Centipede Characteristics and Bite Mechanism
Centipedes are arthropods with segmented bodies, each typically bearing a single pair of legs. They do not use mouthparts to bite. Instead, they employ specialized appendages called forcipules, modified front legs located behind their head. These pincer-like structures contain venom glands and inject venom into their prey or as a defensive mechanism.
Centipede venom primarily paralyzes prey. It can contain compounds like histamine, serotonin, and cardio-depressant toxin-S. For most species encountered by humans, the venom is not potent enough to cause severe harm to healthy adults, often feeling like a bee or wasp sting.
Larger species, such as those in the Scolopendra genus (e.g., Giant Desert Centipede), can inflict more painful bites due to increased venom capacity. Despite their intensity, these bites are rarely fatal to humans. Centipedes are not aggressive towards people and usually only bite if provoked, handled, or accidentally stepped on.
Symptoms and Treatment of Centipede Bites
A centipede bite typically causes immediate, sharp pain, redness, and swelling at the site. Individuals may also experience numbness, tingling, or mild itching in the affected area. The bite often leaves two distinct puncture marks. These common symptoms usually subside within a few hours to a couple of days.
Less common systemic reactions can occur, particularly in sensitive individuals or from larger centipede bites. These might include headache, nausea, anxiety, dizziness, or localized swelling of lymph nodes. More severe reactions, such as fever, chills, rapid heart rate, breathing difficulties, or widespread rash, are rare but possible. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, is an extremely rare but serious complication.
Initial care involves cleaning the affected area thoroughly with soap and water. Applying a cold compress or an ice pack can help reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) can be used for discomfort, and antihistamines may help with itching or swelling. Keeping the wound clean prevents secondary bacterial infections.
Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, or if signs of infection, such as pus, increased redness, or a foul odor, develop. Immediate medical help is necessary for severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, widespread rash, or facial/throat swelling. Young children, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems should also receive medical evaluation.
Distinguishing Centipedes and Prevention
Centipedes are often confused with millipedes, but key differences distinguish them. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, a flattened body, and move quickly, with legs extending outwards. Millipedes, conversely, possess two pairs of legs per body segment, a more rounded body, and move slowly. When disturbed, centipedes scatter, while millipedes often coil defensively. The common house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a fast-moving species often found indoors, considered beneficial for eating household pests.
Preventing centipede encounters involves managing their preferred habitats. Reducing indoor moisture is effective by repairing leaky pipes, using dehumidifiers in damp areas, and ensuring good ventilation. Centipedes are attracted to damp environments as they harbor prey and conserve water.
Sealing potential entry points also helps deter centipedes. Caulking cracks in foundations, sealing gaps around windows and doors, and repairing torn screens are effective. Outside, removing clutter like woodpiles, leaf litter, and rocks removes hiding spots. Maintaining a tidy yard by mowing grass and trimming shrubs away from the house further reduces suitable habitats. Addressing other insect infestations can also reduce centipede presence, as they are drawn to abundant food sources.