House Centipede

The house centipede is a common pest in many parts of the United States. Unlike most other centipedes, this species generally lives its entire life inside a building.

Color:	Grayish yellow with 3 dark stripes
Legs:	30
Shape:	Long thin body with very long legs
Size:	1 – 1 ½ inches
Antennae:	Yes

Habits

Centipedes develop by gradual metamorphosis, so immature have a similar appearance to adults but are smaller. All life stages can be observed running rapidly across floors or accidentally trapped in bathtubs, sinks, and lavatories. The house centipede forages at night for small insects and their larvae, and for spiders.

Habitat

In homes, the house centipede prefers to live in damp areas, such as cellars, closets, bathrooms, attics (during warmer months), and unexcavated areas under the house. Eggs are laid in these same damp places, as well as behind baseboards or beneath bark on firewood.

Threats

Although this centipede can bite, its jaws are quite weak. There usually is not more than a slight swelling if a bite occurs. From an entomological point of view, they could be considered beneficial. Most homeowners, however, usually take a different point of view and insist that they be eliminated.

Prevention

Using dehumidifiers in basements and other damp areas to keep the moisture content of the air down below 55% relative humidity will aid in controlling this pest. Also eliminating spiders and other small pests through vacuuming will help aid with control.