Identifying and Managing House Centipedes

A Northern New York resident described fast-moving, brownish, worm-like creatures with numerous legs appearing on walls and carpets, likely entering through basement vents. They wanted identification, toxicity information, and control methods.

What Are House Centipedes?

Scutigera coleoptrata—the house centipede—is a common arthropod (not an insect) distinguished by:

• 15 pairs of long, banded legs
• Yellowish-gray to brown body with three dark longitudinal stripes
• Body length 1-1.5 inches; leg span up to 3-4 inches
• Remarkable speed (up to 1.3 feet/second)
• Nocturnal hunters of household pests

Are They Dangerous?

• Not poisonous in the sense of toxic venom to humans
• Can bite if handled or trapped, but rarely do; bite feels like a bee sting
• Not disease vectors
• Beneficial predators: Eat spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, and other pests

Why They're in Your Home

• Moisture seekers: Require high humidity; basements, bathrooms, crawl spaces
• Prey availability: Follow other arthropods into homes
• Seasonal migration: Move indoors in fall seeking overwintering sites
• Entry points: Cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, vents, drains

Integrated Management Strategies

Reduce Habitat Suitability

• Dehumidify: Maintain <50% RH in basements and crawl spaces
• Fix leaks: Plumbing, foundation, gutter issues
• Improve ventilation: Bathroom fans, crawl space vents
• Remove clutter: Reduce hiding spots in damp areas

Exclusion

• Seal foundation cracks and gaps around utilities
• Install door sweeps and repair screens
• Cover vent openings with fine mesh
• Seal drain pipes not in regular use

Reduce Prey Populations

• Control silverfish, roaches, spiders with targeted methods
• Sticky traps in corners and along baseboards
• Proper food storage and sanitation

Direct Control (If Needed)

• Vacuum: Immediate removal; dispose of bag outdoors
• Sticky traps: Place along walls in basements, bathrooms
• Diatomaceous earth: In wall voids, crawl spaces (food-grade only)
• Residual insecticides: As last resort; target cracks/crevices per label

When to Tolerate Them

Many homeowners choose to coexist with house centipedes once they understand their beneficial role. A few centipedes indicate a functioning ecosystem controlling more problematic pests. Focus on moisture control and exclusion rather than elimination.

The Ohio State University Extension fact sheet referenced in the original answer (hyg-fact/2000/2067.html) provides additional details on biology and control.