House centipedes are fascinating creatures that often make their way into our homes. These arthropods have a unique appearance, with their long, flattened bodies and numerous legs. Typically found in damp and dark environments, house centipedes can be seen in basements, storage areas, and even under logs or rocks outdoors.
The lifespan of house centipedes may come as a surprise to many, as some species can live up to six years. As the only species capable of reproducing in our homes, the house centipede can become a common sight, especially in areas with high humidity.
As we delve deeper into the world of house centipedes, it is important to understand their behavior and preferred living conditions. This knowledge can guide us in managing their presence and appreciating the role they play in our ecosystem.
House Centipede Basics
Centipede vs Spider
House centipedes and spiders are both arthropods, but they differ in several ways. Here’s a comparison table of their features:
| Feature | Centipede | Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | 30 (15 pairs) | 8 |
| Body Segments | Multiple | 2 (Cephalothorax & Abdomen) |
| Predators | Yes | Yes |
| Habitat | Moist & dark areas | Various |
Arthropod Features
House centipedes possess several key arthropod features:
- Exoskeleton: A hard, protective outer covering.
- Jointed appendages: Legs and antennae that allow for better movement and sensing capabilities.
- Segmented body: Multiple body segments, each with a pair of legs in centipedes.
- Molting: Shedding their exoskeleton to allow for growth.
Scutigera Coleoptrata
Scutigera coleoptrata is the scientific name for the common house centipede. Here are a few characteristics of this species:
- Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region, but now widespread throughout the world1.
- Habitat: Moist and dark areas, including basements, closets, and bathrooms2.
- Appearance: 1 1/2 inches long, with 15 pairs of long, slender legs; brown to grayish-yellow body with three dark stripes on top3.
- Lifespan: House centipedes can live over one year and breed slowly4.
- Diet: Predatory arthropod, feeding on insects, spiders, and other small creatures.
Habitat and Distribution
Indoor Habitats
House centipedes prefer dark and damp spaces indoors, making them common inhabitants of basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. They are often found hiding in cracks and crevices, where they can maintain a higher level of humidity. Some examples of indoor habitats where house centipedes are frequently found include:
- Damp basements
- Leaky bathrooms
- Humid crawl spaces
Outdoor Habitats
Outdoors, house centipedes can be discovered in various moist environments such as:
- Rotting logs
- Mulch
- Potting soil
- Leaf litter
These settings provide the necessary moisture and soil conditions for house centipedes to thrive. They seek the protection and humidity these habitats offer.
Regions of Presence
Originally from the Mediterranean region, house centipedes have now spread to different parts of the world, including North America. In the United States, they are commonly found inside homes and buildings, particularly in temperate zones like Connecticut1. Here’s a table showing the regions where house centipedes are present:
| Region | Indoor/Outdoor | Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Both | Native Habitat |
| North America | Indoor | Commonly Found |
| United States | Indoor | Temperate Zones |
In summary, house centipedes live in various indoor and outdoor habitats with humidity and moisture. They have a worldwide distribution, but are particularly common in temperate zones of the United States.
Anatomy and Physiology
Body and Legs
The house centipede’s body is brown to grayish-yellow, with three dark stripes on top. It has a flattened, segmented structure, giving it a distinctive appearance.
- Segments: Up to 1 1/2 inches long
House centipedes possess 15 pairs of legs, with each pair attached to a body segment. These long, slender legs increase in length from the front to the back of the body.
- Leg appearance: Almost thread-like, with dark and white bands
- Leg function: Help in capturing prey, thanks to their barbed nature
Antennae and Eyes
House centipedes have long, slender antennae that aid in navigation and sensing their environment. These creatures also have well-developed, faceted, compound eyes, unlike many other centipede species. This characteristic allows them to see better and navigate their surroundings more effectively.
Example: The house centipede’s eyes can detect movement and light changes, enabling them to locate and capture small prey like insects.
Comparison between House Centipede and Other Centipedes
| Feature | House Centipede | Other Centipedes |
|---|---|---|
| Legs | 15 pairs, banded, barbed, increase in length | Varies, mostly shorter, non-banded, non-barbed |
| Eyes | Well-developed, faceted, compound eyes | Often less-developed or lacking compound eyes |
| Body | Brown to grayish-yellow, flattened, segmented | Varies, often cylindrical, segmented |
| Habitat | Primarily indoors, can be found in moist areas | More commonly found outdoors, in soil and leaf litter |
House Centipedes in Daily Life
Diet and Predators
House centipedes are known for their diverse diet, which helps them to thrive in various environments. They primarily feed on:
- Crickets
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Worms
Being a nocturnal species, house centipedes hunt for prey during the night1. In turn, they face predators such as:
- Lizards
- Snakes
- Birds
- Frogs
Speed and Movement
One key feature of house centipedes is their exceptional speed. They can move quickly to capture prey or escape from predators. Their unique movement is due to:
- 15 pairs of long, slender legs
- Rapid leg motion allowing for fast acceleration2
Nocturnal Lifestyle
House centipedes lead a nocturnal lifestyle, which means they are active during the night and rest during the day. This behavior has several benefits:
- Enhanced ability to capture prey
- Reduced risk of being detected by predators
- Adaptation to dark and humid environments3
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Eggs and Larvae
House centipedes reproduce by laying eggs. Female house centipedes lay around 35 eggs in damp soil or under rocks, where they are somewhat protected from predators1. During the larval stage, centipedes have fewer legs, with each succeeding molt adding a new pair of legs2.
Molting and Growth
Centipedes go through a series of molts as they grow. The number of molts varies depending on the species, but it can be up to eight or more3. Key points to know:
- Molts are essential for growth
- Centipedes add legs with each molt
During this process, house centipedes will shed their exoskeleton and grow a new one, allowing them to expand as they grow in size.
Adult Life Span
House centipedes have a relatively short lifespan. On average, they live for approximately one to three years4.
To summarize:
- Lifespan of 1-3 years
- Growth occurs through molting5
Comparing house centipedes to other species:
| Species | Average Life Span | Reproduction Method | Molts Necessary |
|---|---|---|---|
| House Centipede | 1-3 years | Eggs | Up to 8 or more depending on species |
| Other Centipede | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Encounters and Interactions
Bites and Treatment
House centipedes usually avoid humans, but they may bite if threatened. Their bites can be painful but are usually not dangerous. Symptoms of a bite include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
To treat a house centipede bite:
- Clean the bite area with soap and water.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
Benefits and Nuisances
Benefits:
- House centipedes help control pests such as termites, spiders, and cockroaches by eating them.
- They are a natural form of pest control.
Nuisances:
- Their appearance can be unsettling.
- They may occasionally enter homes.
Are They Dangerous?
Venom Glands:
House centipedes have venom glands, which they use to paralyze their prey.
Venomous Bite:
Although they have venom, a house centipede’s bite typically doesn’t pose a serious threat to humans. However, individuals with allergies to insect stings should exercise caution.
Dangerous or Not?
| House Centipedes | |
|---|---|
| Venomous bite | Yes |
| Dangerous | No (generally) |
| Nuisance | Yes |
In summary, house centipedes are generally not dangerous to humans. Their bites can cause pain and irritation but aren’t life-threatening. They are more of a nuisance but also provide some benefits in controlling other pests.
Control and Prevention
Pest Control Methods
Controlling house centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) typically involves using chemical or non-chemical methods. Some common chemical options include:
- Pesticides: Apply them specifically to problem areas, like cracks and crevices, where centipedes are likely to hide.
- Residual sprays: These can be applied around the perimeter of your home to deter centipedes from entering.
Non-chemical methods include:
- Sticky traps: Place them near areas where centipedes are frequently seen to catch them.
- Sealing gaps: Close off cracks and crevices to eliminate centipede hiding spots.
Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies for controlling house centipedes include:
- Diatomaceous earth: This natural powder is effective against centipedes by damaging their exoskeleton and causing dehydration.
- Essential oils: A mix of peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can repel centipedes when applied around the home.
Creating Unfavorable Conditions
Making your home less attractive to centipedes involves reducing moisture and limiting food sources. Consider implementing the following measures:
- Dehumidifiers: Install them in damp areas to reduce humidity.
- Fans: Utilizing fans can improve air circulation and decrease moisture levels.
- Eliminate clutter: Organizing and cleaning your home minimizes potential hiding spots.
- Pest control: By reducing the presence of other pests, you decrease the house centipede’s food sources.
Remember, early intervention and education are essential for effectively controlling and preventing house centipede infestations in the U.S.
Identification and Expertise
Morphology and Characteristics
House centipedes belong to the Scutigeromorpha order, and their unique morphology sets them apart from other centipedes.
- Brown to grayish-yellow body
- Three dark stripes on top
- Up to 1.5 inches long
- 15 pairs of long, slender legs with dark and white bands
- Flattened, segmented bodies with one pair of legs per segment (source)
These creatures are not herbivores or detritivores but feed on small arthropods, including pest insects like firebrats and carpet beetle larvae, and even bed bugs. They prefer damp environments and can be found hiding in closets, under potted plants, or amongst firewood (source).
| Centipedes | Bed Bugs | Firebrats | Carpet Beetle Larvae |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long legs | No legs | Six legs | Six legs |
| Striped | Oval | Elongated | Worm-like |
| Predators | Parasite | Herbivore | Detritivore |
Consulting Professionals
If you are unsure about identifying house centipedes or getting rid of them, consult with professionals who have expertise in the Myriapoda class. These experts can help with:
- Proper identification of centipedes and other pests
- Assessing the situation and extent of infestation
- Recommending appropriate treatment methods and prevention measures
- Setting up sticky traps in strategic locations to control infestations
Professionals can also help you differentiate between house centipedes and their prey, such as firebrats or carpet beetle larvae, and provide guidance on overall pest management.
Footnotes
- https://extension.psu.edu/house-centipedes ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
- https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/house-centipede ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/house-centipede ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/centipedes/ ↩ ↩2
- Oklahoma State University – Centipedes and Millipedes ↩
