Do House Centipedes Eat Bed Bugs? Surprising Facts You Need To Know

House centipedes and bed bugs are two common household pests that many people have encountered. While both can be unsettling, understanding their behaviors and whether they interact with each other can provide insight into their presence in your home.

House centipedes are arthropods known for their long, slender legs and swift movements. They primarily feed on other small insects, such as silverfish, spider, and cockroaches, which can indicate a more significant issue with these pests in your living environment. On the other hand, bed bugs are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals while they sleep, often causing itchy, red bites in the process.

The question arises: do house centipedes eat bed bugs, thus acting as a natural form of pest control? Even though both inhabit living spaces, it is essential to consider their respective habits and preferences to determine if such interactions occur.

House Centipedes and Bed Bugs

House Centipede Diet

House centipedes are arthropods known for their long, flattened, segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment¹. Their diet primarily consists of:

• Small insects
• Spiders
• Flies
• Other arthropods

House centipedes prefer to prey on insects that are slow-moving and easy to catch.

Bed Bug Overview

Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius) are flat, parasitic insects². They feed on human and animal blood while their hosts sleep. Some key characteristics of bed bugs are:

• Reddish-brown color
• Wingless
• Size: 1mm to 7mm

Bed bugs have a negative impact on human environments, causing discomfort and potential health issues due to their bites.

Comparison Table: House Centipedes vs. Bed Bugs

Although house centipedes are known to eat other insects and arthropods, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that they actively prey on or control bed bug populations. If dealing with a bed bug infestation, it is recommended to consult professional pest control services to address the issue effectively.

Natural Predators of Bed Bugs

Predators Inside the House

House centipedes are known to prey on bed bugs due to their insectivorous nature. These arthropods possess long, slender legs and a segmented body. Some benefits and drawbacks of having house centipedes as a natural predator are:

Pros:

• Eat a variety of pests, including bed bugs
• Non-toxic to humans and pets

Cons:

• May become a nuisance if they multiply in a home
• Some people find them creepy

Another predator that can be found indoors is the masked hunter, an assassin bug species. They consume bed bugs and other insects, but it is important to note that their bite is painful and can cause skin irritation.

Predators Outside the House

Outside the home, numerous predators feed on bed bugs:

• Lizards: In particular, geckos are known to consume pests like bed bugs
• Pharaoh ants and fire ants: These ants carry bed bugs back to their colonies as food
• Thanatus flavidus: A type of spider that can consume bed bugs as part of its diet
• Birds: Certain birds feed on arthropods, including bed bugs

However, relying on these predators for bed bug control may not be the most effective solution. Although these predators might help reduce infestations, a combination of preventive measures and professional pest control is recommended for a more successful outcome.

Preventing Infestations

Do House Centipedes Help or Hinder?

House centipedes are known to feed on various household pests, including silverfish, cockroaches, and spiders. They can also prey on bed bugs, although their effectiveness in controlling bed bug populations is unclear. Some advantages and disadvantages of having house centipedes include:

Pros:

• Natural predator of household pests
• Reduce the need for pesticides

Cons:

• May not effectively control bed bug infestations
• Unappealing to many homeowners

Handling Bed Bugs and Centipedes

To prevent and handle bed bug infestations, consider the following approaches:

• Regular inspection: Check your home for signs of bed bugs, such as tiny black dots or reddish-brown insects.
• Heat treatment: Bed bugs are sensitive to high temperatures. A professional exterminator can provide heat treatments to eliminate these pests.
• Pesticides: Only use EPA-approved pesticides for bed bugs, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Dehumidifiers: Bed bugs and centipedes both struggle in low-humidity environments. A dehumidifier can make your home less hospitable to these pests.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling diatomaceous earth, a non-toxic powder, in areas where bed bugs may hide can help eliminate them by damaging their exoskeletons.

In addition to the above strategies, reducing clutter and sealing potential entry points can help prevent infestations of bed bugs, house centipedes, and other pests.

Understanding House Centipedes

Physical Characteristics

House centipedes are arthropods with:

• Long, flattened, segmented bodies
• One pair of legs per segment
• 15 pairs of very long, almost thread-like, slender legs
• Brown to grayish-yellow color
• Three dark stripes on top of the body

These creatures also have forcipules, which are modified front legs that act as jaws containing venomous glands.

Behavior

• Nocturnal: House centipedes are primarily active during the night.
• Molting: They go through several molts, transitioning from larva to nymph to adult.

House centipedes are predators that feed on various small arthropods, such as:

• Silverfish
• Firebrats
• Carpet beetle larvae
• Cockroaches
• Spiders

Habitat

Favorable habitats for centipedes often include:

• Crevices and cracks: They tend to hide in small spaces.
• Basements and bathrooms: These areas tend to have higher moisture levels.
• Moist areas: Centipedes prefer locations with moisture to support their populations.
• Dark spaces: They tend to avoid light and prefer dark environments.

House centipedes can be found in various regions across the U.S.

Dealing with House Centipedes

Natural Control Methods

• Introducing predators: Some creatures prey on centipedes, such as crickets and earwigs. Introducing these insects in your basement or garage can help control the centipede population, but be careful not to swap one problem for another.
• Creating a less hospitable environment: Centipedes thrive in dark, damp spaces. To deter them, implement these changes:
  • Keep your basement and garage well-lit.
  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce moisture.
  • Remove clutter, especially near baseboards and in bathroom areas.
• Natural repellents: Some essential oils like cedarwood and eucalyptus can repel centipedes. Apply the oils to affected areas, such as baseboards and entry points.

Professional Solutions

• Pest control companies: Hiring professionals for regular inspections and treatment will ensure the best results in removing not just house centipedes but also other household pests like bed bugs and silverfish.
• Chemical treatments: Professionals can recommend appropriate pesticides for targeted pests. However, note that chemical treatments may have side effects. Consider the impact on the environment, your family, and pets before using pesticides.

In conclusion, dealing with house centipedes involves a combination of natural control methods and professional solutions. By employing both approaches, you can effectively manage and reduce the presence of these creepy crawlies in your home.