| Scientific name | Scutigera coleoptrata |
|---|---|
| Group | Centipedes, Millipedes & Crawlers |
| Size | 25–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in) |
| Colors | Gray, Tan and Yellow |
| Legs | many legs (30 or more) |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Bathroom and Basement or garage |
| Most active | Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The house centipede is a large member of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers group. Wingless ground crawlers, many with far more than six legs. Check for these three features:
- Fifteen pairs of long, banded legs
- Three dark stripes running down the body
- Extremely fast, darting movements
About this bug
A fast, yellowish-gray centipede with 15 pairs of very long legs that races across floors and walls at night. It hunts silverfish, cockroaches and spiders.
You'll usually find house centipedes in the bathroom and in basements and garages. They are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter.
Is it dangerous?
House centipedes rarely bite; a bite feels like a mild bee sting.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see house centipedes
House Centipedes are most active in spring, summer, fall and winter. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings. In winter, activity continues mainly indoors in heated spaces.
Typical places to check: bathroom and basement or garage.
About centipedes, millipedes & crawlers
The house centipede is one of the centipedes, millipedes & crawlers. This group gathers wingless crawlers that people often lump together: centipedes, millipedes, silverfish, earwigs, springtails, booklice and pill bugs. Most need high humidity to survive and dry out quickly in dry air.
Because moisture is the common thread, a dehumidifier and fixed leaks often do more than any insecticide.
What to do about it
- Lower humidity with a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms
- Reduce their prey by controlling other household insects
- Seal cracks and gaps near the foundation and drains
Bugs that look similar
Size: House Centipedes are larger, reaching 35 mm, while silverfish top out around 19 mm.
Size: Millipedes are larger, reaching 40 mm, while house centipedes top out around 35 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does a house centipede look like?
Fifteen pairs of long, banded legs. Adults measure 25–35 mm (up to about 1.4 in).
Does the house centipede bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. House centipedes rarely bite; a bite feels like a mild bee sting.
Where do house centipedes live?
House Centipedes live in the bathroom and in basements and garages.
When are house centipedes most active?
Mostly in spring, summer, fall and winter.