House Centipede

Category:

Actual Size: 1.5”

Characteristics: Grayish yellow in color with three dark stripes on the top of the body.

Legs: Up to 30

Antennae: No

Wings: No

Habitat: Attracted to damp areas. Outdoors, they’re often found in leaf litter and beneath stores. If they get indoors, they often stick to crawl spaces or bathrooms.

Habits:

  • Has fifteen pairs of long and slender legs.
  • Moves quickly to hide when disturbed.
  • Attracted to damp areas such as bathrooms.

House Centipedes in Memphis TN Metro Area

House centipedes are discovered all over the United States and possess a multitude of legs—specifically, fifteen pairs of extremely long and thin legs. Despite their frightening appearance, house centipedes are helpful creatures without a backbone, aiding homeowners by managing pests such as cockroaches and spiders. While house centipedes can be found indoors and outdoors, stumbling upon one unintentionally trapped in the sink or bathtub can induce fear. Outdoors, house centipedes are not deemed harmful, but when they cohabit with us, they might be seen as pests.

House Centipede Habitat

House centipedes are attracted to moisture and can be found outdoors underneath rocks, planks, or branches, as well as beneath wet leaves and other natural debris. Once they enter houses, they typically inhabit moist basements, damp closets, and bathrooms, where they prey on insects and spiders. When they sense danger, centipedes quickly scuttle towards dark hiding places. An abundance of house centipedes might suggest a moisture problem within the house that requires attention.

House Centipede Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

House centipedes possess venomous claws located behind their head, which they use to inject poison and immobilize their prey, typically small insects. Although the feeble jaws of house centipedes can break the skin, it is not an effortless task for them. Bites from these creatures may result in swelling and discomfort, but they are generally no more severe than a bee sting. House centipedes are considered troublesome pests, and when they venture into your yard, it is often because they are seeking food. If centipedes come across food near the outer walls of your house and there are open cracks or crevices, they may unintentionally find their way inside your home.

If you are dealing with house centipedes on your property, contact your local exterminators.