Centipedes are interesting creatures that you might see around your home. They belong to the arthropod group, meaning they have segmented bodies and exoskeletons. Centipedes are fast, have many legs, and are great hunters. Read on to learn what centipedes look like, where they live, and how to get rid of them.
Centipedes are easy to recognize because they have long, segmented bodies and many legs. Their bodies are divided into sections, with each section having one pair of legs. The last pair of legs is often longer and used to sense their surroundings or capture prey. Most centipedes have between 15 and 177 body parts, but some can have more.
Their color can range from light yellow to brown and they have antennae, which help them find their way around. Some centipedes have simple eyes, called ocelli, while others have compound eyes that help them detect movement.
The biggest centipede is the Amazonian giant centipede, which can grow up to 12 inches long. Scutigera centipedes, which are smaller, usually measure around 1-1.5 inches. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a common species found in homes, known for its long legs and quick movements.
While house centipedes are commonly seen indoors, other centipedes, such as stone centipedes, prefer outdoor habitats. Centipedes are often hard to see because they hide in dark places. However, there are some signs that they may be living in your home:
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Centipedes have specific needs that shape where they live, what they eat, and how they behave. Their habits often bring them into contact with people, especially in damp or cluttered spaces.
Centipedes can live both inside and outside. Outside, they can be found under rocks, in soil, or in leaf litter, where they can find moisture and prey. Soil centipedes burrow underground, where they hunt for small insects and worms. Inside, they like dark, damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. They like to hide in cracks and crevices.
Centipedes are carnivores and prey on insects and other arthropods, such as spiders and millipedes. They catch their prey using special claws called forcipules, which work like pincers. Once they catch an insect, they inject venom to kill it. They eat insects like sowbugs, spiders, and other small bugs.
Centipedes start as tiny larvae that look like small versions of adults. As they grow, they shed their outer shell in a process called molting. With each molt, they get bigger and grow more body parts. Centipedes can live for several years.
Centipedes are active at night when it’s dark and cool. They move very fast and use their long legs to run after their prey. Centipedes don’t build nests, but they do look for places with plenty of food and moisture.
Centipedes are not usually dangerous to humans. While they have venom, it doesn’t typically harm people. If a centipede bites you, it might cause some mild pain, redness, or swelling, but it’s not serious. Only a few people may have allergic reactions.
Centipedes use their venom to kill other insects. For humans, their venom can cause mild irritation, but it is not life-threatening. The amount of pain you feel depends on how big the centipede is and how sensitive you are to its venom.
To keep centipedes away, keep your home clean and dry. They like to hide in dark, messy areas, so make sure you tidy up and remove any piles of paper or clothes. Centipedes also like moisture, so fix any leaks in your house and use a dehumidifier if it’s too damp. Seal cracks around windows and doors to stop them from getting inside. Outside, keep your yard clean and trim plants that are close to your house. By keeping your home clean and dry, centipedes will be less likely to return.
If you’re having trouble with centipedes or other pests, our team is here to help. We have the knowledge and tools to get rid of all types of pests in your home. Whether it's centipedes, silverfish, or other types of insects, we know how to deal with them safely and quickly.
For more details about smaller pests, check out our insect information.
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Centipedes like dark, damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces.
For more information on insects and how to handle them, check out our insect information guide.
Centipedes are venomous, but their venom doesn’t usually hurt people. It can cause mild pain or swelling if you are bitten. If you experience severe pain, an allergic reaction, or unusual symptoms, seek medical advice immediately.
Yes, centipedes can bite, but they only do so when they feel threatened. The bite is usually not dangerous.
Centipedes have many legs, with one pair of legs on each body segment. They can have anywhere from 15 to 177 pairs of legs, depending on the centipede species.
Centipedes can come from outside, where they live in soil, leaves, or under rocks. They can also enter homes through cracks and crevices.
Centipedes are predators that eat other arthropods and insects. They help keep the number of pests down by hunting small bugs like millipedes and sowbugs.
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