Scutigera coleoptrata, also known as the house-centipede, is a species of centipede that is typically yellowish-gray and has up to 15 pairs of long legs. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it has spread to other parts of the world, where it frequently lives in and around human homes. [1] It is an insectivore, preying on insects and arachnids by envenomating them.
Their venom is not. House centipedes are an all-natural form of pest control. They eat a wide variety of pesky bugs, including flies, ants, moths, silverfish, spiders, and cockroaches.
House centipedes prey on other household pests like cockroaches and termites, but you may not want them in your home. Learn what to do if you have them. House centipedes feed on silverfish, firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, spiders, and other small arthropods.
If house centipedes are seen frequently, this indicates that some prey arthropod is in abundance, and may signify a greater problem than the presence of the centipedes (Figure 3). Figure 3. House centipede feeding on a cockroach.
While house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) actually help by eating other bugs like cockroaches and spiders, many homeowners still want them gone. House centipedes come inside looking for three main things: moisture, food, and shelter. They love damp areas like basements and bathrooms, and they hunt other insects at night.
A house centipede is a multi-legged predatory arthropod that eats many household pests like cockroaches, silverfish and termites. "They are commonly found in homes, apartments, and other human-built structures, but can also be found outside near human dwellings," says Michael J. Skvarla, an assistant research professor of arthropod.
This is a nocturnal, predatory House Centipede. House Centipedes are shy and they will avoid humans. They do have a mild venom, and a large specimen might bite if carelessly handled, but it is much more likely to flee.
Letter 8 - House Centipede Subject: Crazy Looking Bug Geographic location of the bug: Pullman Washington, USA Date: 08/21/2021. The house centipede thrives indoors, where it preys on a variety of unwanted pests, including cockroaches, spiders, bed bugs, and silverfish. Known for their speed and agility, house centipedes use their barbed legs to quickly capture and subdue prey.
Bug Hartsock, who's been studying arthropods for a while, said centipedes are "ideal" roommates, particularly because they're clean, won't damage your home and eat cockroaches, termites and bedbugs. Discover the truth about the house centipede - why it's creepy yet beneficial, what attracts it, and how to manage these surprising household hunters.