Subject: Identify bug and if its bite poses a health issue to humans or animals
Geographic location of the bug: Beaumont Tx
Date: 08/12/2018
Time: 11:36 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: This bug was crawling up the wall of my bathroom. The body was a little over an inch and with it’s legs about 2 inched. First, I would like to know what it is and if it’s bite could cause issues to humans or dogs. I have never seen this crawling creature before.
How you want your letter signed: Debra Leger
Dear Debra,
This is a House Centipede, a shy nocturnal predator that would rather flee a human or pet than to attack, but we suspect a large individual might bite a human who attempted to capture one with bare hands. Though House Centipedes are venomous, the bite is not considered dangerous and would likely cause little more than a localized reaction. Our editorial staff is perfectly content to cohabitate with House Centipedes, and we have a cat. In our opinion, the benefits of having a nocturnal predator that will eat Cockroaches and other unwanted Household Pests, including dreaded Blood-Sucking Conenose Bugs or Kissing Bugs and Bed Bugs, far outweighs the unlikelihood of a bite.