Finding a centipede in the home can be startling, especially when the concern involves intimate spaces like a bed. These fast-moving, multi-legged arthropods are common household inhabitants. Understanding the specific motivations and behaviors of the common house centipede can help address the root causes of their indoor visits and allow for practical management.
The Direct Answer: Likelihood and Reason
While it is possible for a centipede to crawl onto a bed, this is an extremely rare occurrence and not a behavior they actively seek. The house centipede is a nocturnal predator that prefers to remain hidden in dark, protected crevices during the day. They have no interest in humans or the warmth of a bed and are typically found on the floor or walls. Centipedes enter homes primarily in search of moisture and prey. Lacking a waxy coating, they lose water easily and require high-humidity environments, often seeking refuge in basements, bathrooms, or crawl spaces. They are drawn indoors by the presence of other household pests, such as spiders, silverfish, or cockroaches, which serve as their food source.
Identifying the Common House Centipede
The species typically encountered indoors across North America and Europe is Scutigera coleoptrata, the common house centipede. This arthropod is identified by its elongated, yellowish-gray body, usually measuring between one and one and a half inches long. It is characterized by 15 pairs of long, banded legs that increase in length toward the rear, making it appear much larger than it truly is. This structure allows for remarkable speed across floors and walls while hunting. The centipede also possesses two long antennae on its head and two elongated appendages at its rear. They favor moist, secluded areas within a dwelling, such as damp basements, under sinks, inside wall voids, and near floor drains.
Threat Assessment: Are House Centipede Bites Dangerous?
House centipedes possess venom used to incapacitate insect prey, but they pose minimal threat to humans. Their fangs, which are modified front legs called forcipules, are usually too weak to penetrate human skin easily. A bite is a defensive action that occurs almost exclusively if the centipede is trapped against skin or handled roughly. If a bite occurs, symptoms are typically mild and localized, often compared to a minor bee sting. Individuals may experience brief, sharp pain, slight swelling, redness, and a burning sensation at the site. The discomfort rarely lasts more than a few hours, though minor swelling may persist for a day or two. Medical attention is warranted only in the rare instance of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread hives.
Reducing Attraction Factors in the Home
Managing the indoor environment is the most effective way to prevent centipedes from taking up residence. Since house centipedes require moisture to survive, reducing humidity is the primary control strategy.
Moisture Control
Homeowners should fix leaky plumbing, ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms, and use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or crawl spaces to keep humidity levels low.
Pest and Entry Control
Controlling their food supply is another step, as centipedes will not remain where prey is scarce. Addressing existing infestations of other small insects, such as silverfish or spiders, removes their motivation to stay. Additionally, sealing small cracks and gaps in the foundation, around doors, and near utility entry points prevents centipedes and other pests from entering the structure.