Centipedes are predatory arthropods characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies and numerous legs, with one pair of legs on nearly every segment. Despite their name, meaning “hundred feet,” the number of legs varies by species. All centipedes are venomous, using specialized pincer-like appendages called forcipules to inject venom. Centipedes do not typically “attack” humans; rather, bites usually occur in self-defense when they feel threatened or are accidentally disturbed.
Understanding Centipede Behavior
Centipedes are primarily nocturnal. They are carnivorous, using venom to subdue prey like insects and worms. Their bodies are vulnerable to water loss, so they seek out moist, humid environments.
Common habitats include leaf litter, under rocks, logs, and in soil. Indoors, they may be found in damp basements, crawl spaces, bathrooms, and other areas with high moisture. Bites often happen when a human inadvertently comes into contact with a centipede, such as reaching into a woodpile, moving garden debris, or stepping on one barefoot.
Centipede Bites and Their Effects
A centipede bite typically presents as two small puncture marks on the skin, forming a V-shape due to the arrangement of their forcipules. The immediate sensation is usually sharp pain, often compared to a bee sting, followed by localized redness and swelling. The severity of pain and other symptoms can vary depending on the centipede’s size and the amount of venom injected.
Common symptoms include itching or burning at the bite site, and sometimes tenderness or tingling. In most cases, these symptoms are mild to moderate and resolve within 24 to 48 hours, though some discomfort may persist for several days. Rarely, more severe symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, headache, or swollen lymph nodes may occur.
While centipede bites are rarely dangerous to healthy individuals, certain reactions warrant medical attention. Seek medical help for severe allergic reactions, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Widespread hives
- Facial or throat swelling
- Dizziness
- A rapid heart rate
Medical consultation is also advisable if symptoms worsen, show signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, or pus), or do not improve within a few days.
Preventing Centipede Encounters
Minimizing centipede encounters involves modifying their preferred habitats and entry points around the home. Centipedes are attracted to damp, dark places, so reducing moisture is a primary step. This can involve repairing leaky pipes, using dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces, and ensuring proper ventilation in bathrooms and attics.
Removing clutter both indoors and outdoors eliminates hiding spots for centipedes. This includes clearing leaf litter, grass clippings, and firewood away from the house’s foundation.
Sealing cracks, gaps, and holes in foundations, around windows, and under doors helps prevent centipedes and other pests from entering the home. Controlling other household pests like insects and spiders can also reduce centipede presence, as these are their primary food sources.