The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is a common arthropod found in many homes, often sparking curiosity and sometimes apprehension due to its distinctive appearance and rapid movement. People frequently wonder about its role within a household environment, particularly concerning its diet. A recurring question revolves around whether these multi-legged creatures consume other household arthropods, such as spiders. This inquiry highlights a common misunderstanding of their habits and their place in the indoor ecosystem.
The Centipede’s Diet: A Hunter’s Menu
House centipedes are skilled predators that primarily feed on various small insects and other arthropods. Their diet includes common household pests such as spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, flies, and carpet beetle larvae. They are strictly carnivorous and do not consume plant material or stored foods.
These centipedes are equipped with venomous fangs, known as forcipules, which are modified front legs used to inject venom into their prey. They are remarkably fast, capable of moving at speeds of up to 1.3 feet per second to pursue and subdue targets. When hunting, house centipedes often use their numerous legs to “lasso” or wrap around their victims, preventing escape, and can even hold multiple prey items simultaneously. Although they possess developed eyes, they primarily rely on their sensitive antennae to detect prey through touch and smell, especially in dark environments.
House Centipedes in Your Home: Friend or Foe?
Considering their diet, house centipedes can act as natural pest control agents. By preying on a variety of nuisance insects and spiders, they contribute to managing pest populations indoors. Their presence often indicates that other pests are also present in the home.
Despite their startling appearance, house centipedes pose little to no threat to humans. They are not aggressive and flee when disturbed. While they possess venom, bites to humans are rare and occur only if the centipede is cornered or handled directly. If a bite does occur, the effects are mild, often comparable to a bee sting, and their venom is not considered harmful to humans.
House centipedes enter homes primarily in search of prey, moisture, and shelter. They prefer damp, dark environments such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces, which also tend to be areas where their prey thrives.