The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a fast-moving arthropod often seen darting across walls and floors inside homes. With its yellowish-brown body and 15 pairs of long, banded legs, its appearance can be startling. Unlike a bee or wasp, it does not possess a stinger. Instead, the house centipede delivers a bite using specialized mouthparts to inject venom. This defensive action is rare, typically only occurring if the centipede is accidentally trapped or handled.
The Mechanism of the Bite
The house centipede uses modified front legs called forcipules, or maxillipeds. These appendages are pincer-like structures that function much like fangs, piercing the skin to inject venom. The forcipules are the first pair of legs, which have evolved into a venom-delivery system with a sharp, pointed tip and an internal venom gland.
When the centipede is threatened or actively hunting prey, it uses these structures to strike and inject a paralyzing venom. The resulting wound on human skin often appears as two small, paired puncture marks, reflecting the action of the two forcipules.
Symptoms and Treatment
A house centipede bite is generally not considered medically significant for healthy adults, as symptoms are usually mild and localized. The experience is commonly compared to the sharp, short pain of a mild bee sting, followed by localized redness and minor swelling at the puncture site. The venom is designed to subdue small prey, and its effect on humans typically resolves quickly, often within a few hours to a couple of days.
Immediate first aid involves cleaning the bite area thoroughly with soap and warm water to minimize the risk of secondary infection. Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers or topical anti-itch creams may be used to manage discomfort. Medical attention is rarely necessary but should be sought immediately if signs of a severe allergic reaction develop, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or face, dizziness, or a rapid heart rate.
Behavior and Role in the Home
House centipedes are nocturnal predators, hunting at night and remaining hidden during the day. They seek out dark, moist environments, often finding shelter in basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and under sinks where humidity is high. Their presence often indicates an existing pest problem, as they are drawn to areas with a steady food supply.
The centipede’s diet consists of common household pests, including spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, and termites, making them beneficial inhabitants for pest control. They are exceptionally fast and use their speed and agility to pursue and capture prey. Centipedes are non-aggressive toward humans and will attempt to flee when disturbed, only biting defensively when they are accidentally crushed or cornered.