House Centipedes

• Home›
• Pest ID›
• House Centipedes

What do house centipedes look like?

House centipedes have long, flattened and segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment attached to the sides of their body.  Significantly smaller than giant centipedes, they grow up to 1 plus inches in length, have 15 pairs of long, thin legs with dark and white bands, are brown to grayish-yellow, have three longitudinal dark stripes on top, well-developed eyes, and poison jaws connected to poison glands used to kill insects.

Life cycle of house centipedes

Gradual metamorphosis

House centipedes lay an average of 60 eggs in the spring or early summer.  The larva hatch with four pairs of legs and will complete 5 instars increasing the number of leg pairs they have each time 5,7,9,11, and 13 pairs.  They will complete four instars after the larva stage before becoming adults.

Habits of house centipedes

• Diet: Feed on small insects, larvae, and spiders
• Activity: Nocturnal
• Preferred Climate: Damp, temperate environments
• Defense: Venom and speed
• Cautions: Considered harmless to people but will possibly bite. Venom could cause pain similar to a bee sting. Allergic reaction is possible.
• Home Invasion: Will live indoors or outdoors.  Inside they will inhabit areas in a home they can find moisture: bathrooms, cellars, stacks of firewood, etc.

Are house centipedes dangerous?

House centipedes are considered nuisance pests but are capable of biting. Their venom can cause pain, inflammation, and even allergic reactions in some individuals.  

Where do house centipedes nest?

House centipedes are often found around the foundations of houses and other buildings. Inside, they are often found in damp areas such as bathrooms. 

Helpful hints for house centipedes

In order to prevent a house centipede infestation, we recommend implementing the following prevention tips:

• Eliminate moisture in or near the home
• Seal entry points
• Make sure screens are covering openings
• Clean possible food sources
• Hire a pest control pro 

Interesting facts about house centipedes

House centipedes wrap the last pair of their legs around their prey.