House Centipede

Scientific Name: Scutigera coleoptrata

Order & Family: Scutigeromorpha; Scutigeridae

Size: 25-35 mm (1-1.5 inches) in body length, with legs extending much further.

House Centipede

Natural Habitat

Damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces, and often found indoors. Prefer high humidity.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; preys on household pests such as silverfish, termites, cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, and other small insects.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal, fast-moving, and solitary. They are hunters that use their many legs to quickly capture prey. They undergo anamorphosis, adding segments and pairs of legs as they mature.

Risks & Benefits

Potential risks include a mild, though rare, venomous bite if handled, which usually results in a localized sting similar to a bee sting. Benefits include acting as a natural pest control, preying on other undesirable household insects.

Identified on: 9/23/2025