Global House Centipede Range Map: Where Do These Creepy Crawlers Live?

House centipedes, though often unwelcome guests in homes, play a vital role in controlling household pest populations—yet their presence varies dramatically across the globe. Understanding their range helps homeowners identify risks and take informed action.

The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is widespread across temperate and subtropical regions, thriving in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Its range extends from southern Canada through the Mediterranean and into Southeast Asia, favoring humid basements, bathrooms, and entry points. While not venomous to humans, their rapid movement and nocturnal habits often trigger alarm. Other species like Parasciurus maurus occupy drier zones in southern Europe, highlighting regional diversity in distribution.

House centipedes thrive in moist, sheltered areas with abundant prey such as silverfish, ants, and cockroaches. They seek refuge in cracks, under flooring, and behind wallpaper—preferring temperatures between 60-80°F and humidity levels above 50%. Their ability to survive in basements, crawlspaces, and wall voids makes them resilient pests despite their small size. Moisture control and sealing entry points are key to prevention.

While house centipedes are beneficial by reducing harmful insects, their presence can signal underlying moisture issues or structural gaps. Identifying their range through a detailed house centipede range map enables targeted inspection and effective exclusion. Homeowners should maintain dry conditions, seal openings, and consider professional assessment if sightings increase, ensuring safety without unnecessary pesticides.

Mapping the house centipede range reveals their adaptability and ecological role, empowering homeowners to respond wisely. Stay informed, act proactively, and protect your home with knowledge—because understanding where these creatures live is the first step toward peace of mind.

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 can live in human homes. [1].

Find a centipede in your house and want to identify it? Here are 13 common types of centipedes in the United States and their range maps. Species Scutigera coleoptrata - House Centipede Classification Explanation of Names Size Range Habitat Season Food Life Cycle Remarks Print References Works Cited Classification Kingdom Animalia (Animals). House centipedes range in size from 1 to 6 inches long, including their legs.

However, the body of a house centipede may only be between 1. The House Centipede is a very common sight throughout North America, particularly in indoor locations that have high moisture. They are no stranger to bathtubs and will sometimes emerge from drain holes.

Other house locations that they may be found in or around are the crawlspace, the porch area (drawn in by porch lights), and wash basins. House Centipedes belong to the class Chilopoda representing over 3,100 known species worldwide. North American species include Scutigeromorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, and Geophilomorpha of which the House Centipede is part of the Scutigera coleoptrata family.

Habitat and range 2 The house centipede originated in the mediterranean, but it then came to Northern Mexico and Southern USA. It now inhabits most of North America and Europe. It isn't native.

It is not invasive either. Seasonallity 2 It is seen all year long in houses. However, if it is outside over the winter it freezes to death.

It sheds skin and gains legs as it sheds its skin until it. Get info about the House Centipede from our pest library including appearance, habits, and The Bug Man - Licensed & Insured Exterminator Services's House Centipede control methods. Common Indoor Locations House centipedes often seek refuge inside homes, particularly in damp and cool spots, often on lower levels of a building.

Basements are a prime location due to their coolness, darkness, and higher humidity. Other favored indoor spots include bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces, where moisture is abundant. UK Map Species data profile? Species profile Common names House Centipede Species group: Centipedes & Millipedes Kingdom: Animalia Order: Scutigeromorpha Family: Scutigeridae Records on NatureSpot: 1 First record: 11/07/2020 (Gamble, Gavin) Last record: 11/07/2020 (Gamble, Gavin).