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House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
Identify it, prevent it, and know when to call. A South Florida guide from Pro-Spray.
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What Is a House Centipede?
House centipedes are fast predators that hunt other insects, including silverfish, roaches and spiders. They're harmless to most people, but their speed and long legs can make them alarming.
How to Identify Them
Grayish-yellow with dark stripes and 15 pairs of very long legs, plus long antennae. They run very fast.
Common look-alikes:
- Millipedes: slow, round, short legs. See millipede.
- Other centipedes: some outdoor centipedes are larger with shorter legs and can deliver a painful bite.
Life Cycle and Habits
They lay eggs in damp soil or crevices. They hunt at night and hide in damp, dark spots during the day.
Signs
- Fast centipedes in bathrooms, sinks and tubs
- Centipedes in garages, closets and laundry rooms
Is it dangerous?
- Bites
Can bite if handled; mostly a nuisance.
Why They're in Your Home
Moisture and other insects. Seeing centipedes may signal other pests they're feeding on.
Prevention Tips
- Reduce moisture with fans and dehumidifiers.
- Fix leaks.
- Seal gaps.
- Reduce other pests.
How Pro-Spray Treats House Centipedes
We treat cracks, entry points and harborage areas and address the insects they feed on.
What House Centipedes Tell You About Your Home
House centipedes are hunters. They're inside because they've found two things: moisture and prey. If you see them regularly, it's worth asking what they're eating. Silverfish in a humid bathroom, roaches in a laundry room, spiders in a garage or small insects near a leak can all keep a centipede population fed. Address those pests and the moisture behind them, and centipede sightings usually drop as well.
Common Hotspots in South Florida Homes
Bathrooms with poor ventilation, the area under kitchen and bathroom sinks, utility closets with water heaters or A/C air handlers, laundry rooms, garages with floor drains and closets on exterior walls are typical spots. In older block homes, cracks around plumbing penetrations and baseboards give them easy places to hide during the day. Condos and townhomes can see them traveling along plumbing chases.
Handling a House Centipede
They move fast and will try to escape, so the easiest approach is a cup and a piece of stiff paper, then release it outside. Avoid grabbing them with bare hands. Their bite is usually compared to a mild bee sting and fades on its own, but anyone with allergies or a strong reaction should get medical advice.
Outdoor Centipedes Are Different
South Florida also has larger outdoor centipedes with shorter, thicker legs. These can deliver a more painful bite. They live under rocks, pavers and mulch and occasionally wander into garages. If you're not sure which you have, take a photo and we'll help identify it.
Moisture Control Checklist
Run bathroom fans, fix dripping faucets, check A/C drain pans and lines, and keep garage floor drains clear.
When to Call for Help
If you're seeing house centipedes every week, it's a good sign there's an ongoing moisture issue or other pests nearby. A free inspection can pinpoint both.
House Centipedes vs. Silverfish
People sometimes notice silverfish and centipedes in the same bathroom. That's not a coincidence: silverfish are one of the centipede's favorite meals. Reducing humidity helps with both. See our silverfish guide for more on that pest.
Fixing moisture first makes every other step work better.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do house centipedes bite?
Why do I have centipedes?
Are they beneficial?
How do I get rid of them?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
Pests don't wait.
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