Centipedes are predatory arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda, distinguished by their elongated, segmented bodies and a single pair of legs per segment. They are generally nocturnal creatures that seek out moist, dark environments to hunt smaller invertebrates. For most people encountering a centipede, the concern often centers on the possibility of disease transmission. Centipedes are overwhelmingly not considered vectors for transmitting infectious diseases like viruses, bacteria, or parasites to humans through casual contact.
Centipedes and Pathogen Transmission
Pathogen transmission by arthropods is categorized as biological or mechanical. Biological transmission requires the pathogen to multiply or undergo developmental changes within the arthropod before transfer. Centipedes are not blood-feeding organisms, and human pathogens do not rely on them to complete their life cycle, meaning they do not function as biological vectors.
Centipedes are also considered ineffective mechanical vectors. Mechanical transmission is a passive transfer where the pathogen is simply carried on the arthropod’s body or mouthparts, like a “dirty syringe.” Their non-flying behavior and general lack of interaction with human food or waste streams mean they rarely contaminate surfaces compared to insects like houseflies.
Paratenic Host Risk
A rare, highly specific exception to the general lack of pathogen risk is their potential role as a paratenic host for certain parasites. Centipedes can harbor the larvae of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm, which causes eosinophilic meningitis in humans. This risk is exclusively foodborne, occurring only if an infected centipede is consumed raw or undercooked. This has been documented in cases linked to traditional medicine practices and is unrelated to the centipede’s natural defense mechanisms or its general presence in a home environment.
The Primary Health Risk: Centipede Bites
The immediate and primary health concern associated with centipedes is the defensive action, technically an envenomation. Centipedes do not use mandibles to inject venom. Instead, they use specialized, modified front legs called forcipules. These pincer-like appendages are located just behind the head and contain a venom gland that delivers toxins upon piercing the skin.
Localized Symptoms
When threatened, the centipede injects venom, usually leaving two small puncture marks in a chevron pattern. Symptoms are typically localized and temporary, described as intense, sharp, or burning pain at the site of envenomation. This is often followed by localized swelling, redness, and sometimes minor bleeding. Symptoms generally resolve within a few hours to a couple of days, and long-term effects are uncommon.
Treatment and Severe Reactions
For a typical bite, immediately clean the affected area with soap and water to prevent secondary infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack helps reduce pain and swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort. In rare instances, systemic reactions can occur, usually in individuals with pre-existing insect venom allergies. Signs of a severe reaction include widespread hives, facial swelling, nausea, or difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.
Safe Removal and Prevention
Managing centipedes indoors requires eliminating their shelter, moisture source, and food supply. Centipedes require high humidity to survive because they lack the waxy cuticle that prevents water loss in many insects. Addressing excess moisture is highly effective, which includes fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper ventilation in crawl spaces, and using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
Prevention also involves removing potential hiding places and sealing entry points. Homeowners should remove outdoor clutter, stones, and leaf litter near the foundation to reduce hiding spots. Use caulk to seal cracks in the foundation, around window frames, and near utility entry points to block pathways into the structure. If a centipede is found indoors, the safest removal method is to use a vacuum or gently sweep it into a container and release it outside, avoiding direct contact.