House centipedes, scientifically known as Scutigera coleoptrata, are common arthropods often found inside homes. These creatures possess a distinctive appearance, characterized by a yellowish-gray body that typically measures between 1 to 1.4 inches in length. Their most notable feature is their numerous long, slender legs, which can number up to 15 pairs, making them appear 3 to 4 inches long. They also have three dark stripes running down their back and are primarily predatory.
Their Preferred Diet
House centipedes are strictly carnivorous insectivores. They actively hunt a wide array of common household pests. Their preferred prey includes silverfish, which are wingless insects known for damaging paper and fabrics, and cockroaches, a pervasive indoor nuisance.
They also consume various flies, moths and their larvae, and crickets, helping to reduce populations of these flying and jumping insects. Additionally, house centipedes prey on spiders, bed bugs, termites, and ants, making them broad-spectrum predators within a domestic environment. Their diet is determined by the availability of prey, and their presence often indicates an existing infestation of other pests, as they are drawn to areas with ample food sources.
How They Hunt
House centipedes are nocturnal hunters, typically becoming active during the night to seek out their prey. They are renowned for their remarkable speed and agility, capable of moving at speeds up to 1.3 feet per second. This rapid movement is facilitated by their numerous legs, which progressively increase in length towards the rear, enabling quick accelerations, sudden stops, and sharp turns.
Their long antennae are highly sensitive, detecting both smells and subtle vibrations to locate prey in dark environments. Once prey is detected, house centipedes use specialized mouthparts called forcipules, which are modified front legs, to inject venom. This venom quickly incapacitates their victims, allowing the centipede to subdue and consume them. Some hunting techniques involve grasping prey with their legs, “lassoing” them, or pouncing to secure the meal.
Their Role in Your Home
House centipedes play a beneficial role in home ecosystems by acting as natural pest controllers. They effectively help manage populations of more troublesome insects and arthropods that homeowners commonly encounter. Despite their intimidating appearance and rapid movements, these arthropods are generally harmless to humans and household pets.
They are not aggressive creatures and typically prefer to flee when disturbed, rather than confront a perceived threat. Bites are exceedingly rare and usually occur only if the centipede is provoked or accidentally handled. When a bite does occur, it is usually mild, resulting in only slight, localized pain and minor swelling, comparable to a bee sting or mosquito bite. House centipedes do not cause damage to structures, stored goods, or fabrics within a home.