The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is a common arthropod frequently encountered in homes, often causing alarm with its long, spindly legs and rapid, darting movements. This creature is a nocturnal hunter that lives a solitary life indoors. Its presence raises questions about its activities, particularly whether it preys on other household pests. Understanding the centipede’s diet and behavior reveals its role within the indoor environment.
The Predatory Relationship with Ants
Ants are a confirmed part of the house centipede’s varied diet. These centipedes are active, aggressive predators that hunt down their prey rather than scavenging. They possess specialized, modified front legs called forcipules, which act as venomous claws to immobilize and dispatch their targets. The centipede’s speed allows it to quickly pursue and capture fast-moving insects, including various species of ants. This hunting technique positions the house centipede as an effective, natural form of pest control against indoor ant colonies.
The Full Menu of a House Centipede
Beyond ants, the house centipede is a generalist predator with a diverse menu consisting almost entirely of other small arthropods found inside structures. They are known to consume a range of common household nuisances, including silverfish. Cockroaches, particularly smaller nymphs, are also targets for the centipede’s predatory focus. Other pests on their list include spiders, termites, and even bed bugs, making them beneficial in terms of pest reduction. They use their long, sensitive antennae to locate prey by detecting both scent and tactile information in the dark.
Why House Centipedes Are Found Indoors
House centipedes are drawn into human dwellings primarily by the availability of two resources: moisture and food. These arthropods require a high-humidity environment to survive because their breathing structures are inefficient at conserving water. Areas like basements, damp crawl spaces, and poorly ventilated bathrooms provide the moist conditions they need. They gain entry through small gaps and cracks in the foundation, around doors, or through plumbing and utility line openings. Once inside, they gravitate toward dark, undisturbed hiding spots, such as behind baseboards or under clutter.
Coexisting or Controlling House Centipedes
Homeowners essentially have two options when encountering a house centipede: toleration or removal. Coexisting with them means accepting their role as a consumer of undesirable pests, acknowledging that their presence can reduce the populations of insects like silverfish or roaches. For those who prefer to control their presence, the most effective long-term strategy involves modifying the environment to make it less appealing. This requires reducing humidity in areas like basements and crawl spaces, often by using dehumidifiers or repairing water leaks. Sealing exterior cracks and gaps, along with eliminating their food source, will naturally cause the centipede population to decline.