Centipede facts and identification

Centipedes are interesting creatures that you might see around your home.  They belong to the arthropod group, meaning they have segmented bodies and exoskeletons. Centipedes are fast, have many legs, and are great hunters. Read on to learn what centipedes look like, where they live, and how to get rid of them.

Centipede identification

Signs of centipede infestation

While house centipedes are commonly seen indoors, other centipedes, such as stone centipedes, prefer outdoor habitats. Centipedes are often hard to see because they hide in dark places. However, there are some signs that they may be living in your home:

• Seeing centipedes: You might spot a centipede crawling across your floor, especially at night when they are most active.
• Dead insects: Centipedes eat other bugs, like silverfish and boxelder bugs. If you find dead bugs around, centipedes might be around too.
• Droppings: Centipedes leave small, dark, round droppings. If you see these, it could mean you have a centipede problem.

Habitat, diet, life cycle and behaviors

Centipedes have specific needs that shape where they live, what they eat, and how they behave. Their habits often bring them into contact with people, especially in damp or cluttered spaces.

Where do centipedes live?

Centipedes can live both inside and outside. Outside, they can be found under rocks, in soil, or in leaf litter, where they can find moisture and prey. Soil centipedes burrow underground, where they hunt for small insects and worms. Inside, they like dark, damp places, such as bathrooms, basements, and crawl spaces. They like to hide in cracks and crevices.

Diet

Centipedes are carnivores and prey on insects and other arthropods, such as spiders and millipedes. They catch their prey using special claws called forcipules, which work like pincers. Once they catch an insect, they inject venom to kill it. They eat insects like sowbugs, spiders, and other small bugs.

Life cycle

Centipedes start as tiny larvae that look like small versions of adults. As they grow, they shed their outer shell in a process called molting. With each molt, they get bigger and grow more body parts. Centipedes can live for several years.

Behaviors

Centipedes are active at night when it’s dark and cool. They move very fast and use their long legs to run after their prey. Centipedes don’t build nests, but they do look for places with plenty of food and moisture.

Are centipedes dangerous?

Centipedes are not usually dangerous to humans. While they have venom, it doesn’t typically harm people. If a centipede bites you, it might cause some mild pain, redness, or swelling, but it’s not serious. Only a few people may have allergic reactions.

Centipedes use their venom to kill other insects. For humans, their venom can cause mild irritation, but it is not life-threatening. The amount of pain you feel depends on how big the centipede is and how sensitive you are to its venom.

How to get rid of centipedes and centipede prevention tips

To keep centipedes away, keep your home clean and dry. They like to hide in dark, messy areas, so make sure you tidy up and remove any piles of paper or clothes. Centipedes also like moisture, so fix any leaks in your house and use a dehumidifier if it’s too damp. Seal cracks around windows and doors to stop them from getting inside. Outside, keep your yard clean and trim plants that are close to your house. By keeping your home clean and dry, centipedes will be less likely to return.

Need help with insect pest control?

If you’re having trouble with centipedes or other pests, our team is here to help. We have the knowledge and tools to get rid of all types of pests in your home. Whether it's centipedes, silverfish, or other types of insects, we know how to deal with them safely and quickly.

For more details about smaller pests, check out our insect information.

Other insects

For more information on insects and how to handle them, check out our insect information guide.

Frequently asked questions