While most homeowners focus on common household pests, the house centipede in Korea remains a lesser-known but persistent threat—especially in damp, hidden spaces where these fast-moving creatures thrive.
Understanding House Centipedes in Korea
House centipedes, or "mandarin bugs," are elongated arthropods with long legs and numerous legs, often found in basements, bathrooms, and under sinks. In Korea, species like Scutigera coleoptrata are common, drawn to moisture and warm damp environments. Though non-venomous to humans, their quick movements and multitudes can provoke anxiety and require prompt action.
Signs of a House Centipede Infestation
Homeowners may spot small, pale, worm-like creatures with visible legs, particularly during cooler months. Droppings resemble fine dust, and sightings near entry points often indicate a larger problem. Since centipedes prey on smaller pests like silverfish, their presence may signal other hidden infestations needing comprehensive treatment.
Safe and Effective Control Methods
For eco-conscious pest control in Korea, sealed cracks, dehumidifiers, and natural repellents like essential oils help deter centipedes. In severe cases, professional extermination using targeted, low-toxicity solutions ensures safety without harming household members or pets. Regular home maintenance remains key to long-term prevention.
Staying vigilant against house centipedes in Korea starts with understanding their habits and environment. By combining prevention, early detection, and responsible pest control, homeowners can keep their living spaces safe and comfortable. Take action today—prevent pests before they become a problem.
Literally just a universal house centipede. Same thing can be found all over the world. Considered good luck here!
Some sort of centipede. About 1-1 1/2 in long. Striped, mostly brown and black.
Long slender legs. 돈 (don, "money") + 벌레 (beolle, "bug") Folk belief in Korea holds that a family that lives in a house with house centipedes in it will become rich. Want to know more about the things that go bump in the night? Check out the types of household pests Korea.
House Centipedes or "Money Bugs" in South KoreaHere's a sneak peek at our episode airing on 5/5/24! (A bit late, but May the 4th be with you)House centipedes. Centipede-ish bug in South Korea (1.5 ish inches long)? Does it bite or bother humans or is it a house friend who eats pests? Where do you live? There's a ton of these in Jeju I always called them 지네, but I guess that's actually the name for the big red centipedes not the house centipedes?
Probably a Scutigeromorphid (house centipede) like u/v3rd16r15 linked. They're fairly common and can look like this, this, and this. It has a rod-shaped body, a head with a pair of long antennae and a pair of compound eyes, and 15 pairs of long and thin legs.
It lives in thickets of the forest, under roofs of houses, and shallow caves, preys on microscopic insects including arachnids, and is agile in its movement. It lays a single egg throughout spring and fall, which takes about three years to develop into adults. Newly.
We see house centipedes quite often. Mr Gwon hates them so much. I've dealt with way more insects in Korea than I have ever had to in Australia.
In Australia I would carefully take spiders and moths outside but in Korea my patience had gone and I just kill whatever comes in our bedroom. There are just too many and I'm done with being nice.
