About House Centipedes

The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a yellowish-gray arthropod with 15 pairs of very long, banded legs. They can grow up to 1½ inches long and move quickly across walls and floors, making them one of the most unsettling indoor pests to encounter.

Risks & Concerns

Though frightening, house centipedes are not dangerous and rarely bite humans. In fact, they are beneficial predators, feeding on cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, and other household pests.

Prevention & Control

Lower humidity in basements and bathrooms, reduce clutter, and seal cracks to limit hiding spots. While they can help with pest control, their alarming appearance often leads people to seek professional help to keep them out of living spaces.