Why You Shouldn’t Kill a House Centipede If You Find One in Your Home
Finding a house centipede scurrying across your floor at lightning speed is enough to send chills down almost anyone’s spine. With their long, delicate legs, alien-like appearance, and sudden movements, house centipedes are often mistaken for dangerous or dirty pests that need to be eliminated immediately. Your instinct might be to grab a shoe, spray, or tissue and end its life on the spot.
But before you do that, it’s worth pausing for a moment.
Despite their unsettling looks, house centipedes are actually one of the most beneficial “uninvited guests” you can find in your home. In fact, killing one may do more harm than good. These misunderstood creatures play a surprisingly important role in maintaining a healthy indoor ecosystem—and once you understand why, you may find yourself letting them live (or at least escorting them outside instead of killing them).
This article explores why you shouldn’t kill a house centipede, what they really do inside your home, and how to coexist with them safely if you ever encounter one.
What Is a House Centipede?
The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is a species of centipede commonly found indoors, especially in older buildings and homes with basements. Unlike the thick-bodied centipedes often seen outdoors, house centipedes have:
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Long, thin bodies
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15 pairs of long, delicate legs
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Antennae nearly as long as their bodies
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Extremely fast movement
Their appearance is often described as “creepy,” “alien,” or “nightmare fuel,” which explains why so many people instinctively want to kill them.
However, looks can be deceiving.
House Centipedes Are Not Dangerous to Humans
One of the biggest reasons people kill house centipedes is fear—fear that they bite, sting, or spread disease. Fortunately, most of these fears are unfounded.
Do House Centipedes Bite?
Yes, technically, house centipedes can bite—but it’s extremely rare.
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They are not aggressive
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They prefer to flee rather than attack
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Their bite is usually milder than a bee sting
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Many bites don’t even break the skin
House centipedes only bite if they feel trapped or threatened, such as being pressed against skin.
Do They Carry Diseases?
House centipedes are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Unlike cockroaches or rodents, they don’t contaminate food or surfaces with harmful bacteria. They also don’t infest bedding or clothing.
In short, they pose very little direct risk to you or your family.
House Centipedes Are Natural Pest Controllers
This is the most important reason you shouldn’t kill a house centipede.
House centipedes are predators, not pests.
What Do House Centipedes Eat?
They hunt and eat many of the insects you really don’t want in your home, including:
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Cockroaches
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Ants
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Bed bugs
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Termites
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Silverfish
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Spiders
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Flies
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Moths
If you see a house centipede, it often means there are other insects present—and the centipede is actively controlling their population.
In many cases, one house centipede can eliminate dozens of harmful pests over its lifetime.
Killing a House Centipede Can Make Pest Problems Worse
When you kill a house centipede, you may think you’re solving a problem—but you might actually be creating one.
Removing a Natural Predator
House centipedes sit near the top of the indoor insect food chain. When they’re gone:
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Pest populations may increase
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Cockroaches and silverfish multiply faster
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You may end up needing chemical pest control
In contrast, house centipedes provide free, chemical-free pest management.
They Are Signs of an Ecosystem, Not Infestation
Seeing one house centipede does not mean your home is infested.
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They are solitary creatures
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They do not build nests
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They don’t reproduce rapidly indoors
Most people only ever see one at a time, usually at night when they are most active.
If you frequently see many centipedes, the real issue is usually excess moisture or an underlying insect problem, not the centipedes themselves.
House Centipedes Are Clean Creatures
Contrary to popular belief, house centipedes are not dirty.
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They groom themselves regularly
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They don’t produce webs or droppings
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They don’t chew wood, fabric, or wiring
They simply hunt, eat, and hide.
If anything, their presence suggests they are feeding on pests that are dirty or destructive.
They Prefer to Stay Out of Your Way
House centipedes are shy and nocturnal.
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They hide in cracks, basements, and behind walls
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They come out mostly at night
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They avoid light and human activity
When you see one dart across the floor, it’s usually trying to escape—not invade your space.
Killing Them Is Unnecessary and Often Inhumane
Because house centipedes move so quickly, attempts to kill them often result in:
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Partial injury
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Prolonged suffering
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Messy cleanups
There’s no practical benefit to killing them when non-lethal options exist, such as trapping and releasing or gently guiding them outside.
They Are Environmentally Beneficial
House centipedes help reduce the need for:
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Chemical pesticides
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Toxic insect sprays
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Professional extermination
Using fewer chemicals benefits:
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Indoor air quality
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Pets
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Children
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The environment
By allowing natural predators to do their job, you reduce your ecological footprint—even inside your home.
How to Deal With a House Centipede Without Killing It
If you’re not comfortable letting a house centipede roam freely, here are humane alternatives.
1. Trap and Release
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Place a cup or jar over the centipede
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Slide a stiff piece of paper underneath
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Carry it outside and release
This method is safe and effective.
2. Reduce Moisture
House centipedes love damp environments.
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Fix leaks
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Use a dehumidifier
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Vent bathrooms and basements
Less moisture = fewer centipedes.
3. Seal Entry Points
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Seal cracks and gaps in walls
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Repair window and door seals
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Close basement openings
This prevents centipedes and other insects from entering.
4. Control Other Pests
If there’s no food, house centipedes won’t stay.
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Keep food sealed
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Clean crumbs and spills
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Address ant or roach problems
When Should You Be Concerned?
While house centipedes are generally harmless, you may want to investigate further if:
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You see many regularly
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Your home is excessively damp
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There’s visible mold or decay
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Other pests are clearly present
In these cases, focus on fixing the underlying issue—not killing the centipedes.
Why People Fear House Centipedes So Much
The fear of house centipedes is largely psychological.
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They move fast
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They have many legs
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They look unfamiliar
Humans tend to fear what they don’t understand. Once you know their purpose, many people find their fear decreases significantly—even if they still don’t like seeing them.
Cultural and Scientific Perspectives
In some cultures, house centipedes are considered lucky, as they signify protection against harmful insects. Scientists and pest control experts widely acknowledge their usefulness as biological pest controllers.
Many exterminators will even tell you: If you see a house centipede, it’s doing you a favor.
Final Thoughts: Think Twice Before You Kill One
House centipedes may not be pleasant to look at, but they are:
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Harmless to humans
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Excellent pest hunters
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Environmentally friendly
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Indicators of hidden pest control at work
Killing one is often an emotional reaction—not a logical solution.
The next time you spot a house centipede in your home, remember:
It’s not your enemy.
It’s your silent, many-legged ally.
If you still don’t want it around, choose a humane approach—but consider letting it live. Your home may be better off because of it.
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