Where Do House Centipedes Come From: Uncovering Their Secret Origins

House centipedes are often unwelcome guests in homes. You may have encountered these creepy crawlies scuttling across your floor or even climbing your walls. But where do they come from, and why are they attracted to your home?

These many-legged arthropods typically originate from the outdoors. Your home provides an ideal environment for house centipedes, as they seek out damp spaces with plenty of hiding spots. One of their favorite habitats includes dark, moist areas, like basements, bathrooms, and piles of wood or leaves near your home.

As an added incentive, house centipedes also come indoors to hunt for other insects. They prey on a variety of small pests such as spiders, ants, and silverfish. So, while these unwanted visitors can be unnerving, they also help to keep the insect population in your home under control.

What are House Centipedes?

House centipedes are unique and intriguing arthropods that might catch your attention when they scurry across your floor. They belong to a species called Scutigera coleoptrata and can have up to 15 pairs of long legs¹. These legs are barbed, aiding them in catching prey².

Their appearance is characterized by a yellowish-brown to grayish body, adorned with three dark stripes along the top³. Each leg is encircled by dark and white bands, giving them a visually striking appearance. Their eyes, however, set them apart from other centipedes. Unlike many of their relatives, house centipedes possess well-developed, faceted eyes⁴.

House centipedes are often found in damp areas of your home, such as basements, closets, and bathrooms⁵. They come out at night to hunt for food, feasting on small insects, insect larvae, and spiders⁶.

While their presence might be off-putting, they can be considered beneficial for controlling other pests in your home. However, most homeowners view them as a nuisance⁷. But you can rest easy, knowing that their bites are not toxic enough to be deadly to adults or children⁸.

Natural Habitat of Centipedes

House centipedes primarily thrive in damp and dark environments. They are usually found in soil, under rocks, logs, and bark in the great outdoors. These arthropods are also known to reside in human homes, especially in places with high moisture content, such as basements and bathrooms.

In your garden, you might find them hiding in the following spots:

Under rocks
In leaf litter
Among logs and bark

When they venture indoors, they tend to seek out secluded areas with plenty of small arthropods to feed on, such as:

Basements
Bathrooms
Crawlspaces
Closets

A benefit of having these centipedes around is their ability to feed on common household pests like silverfish, firebrats, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and spiders. While their presence can be a sign of a larger arthropod issue, house centipedes are predators that naturally control insect populations.

Maintain a balance between allowing these helpful arthropods to live in your outdoor spaces, while preventing them from becoming a nuisance indoors. Keep your living areas clean and dry, repair any water leaks, and seal potential entry points to discourage house centipedes from making themselves at home.

House Centipedes Invasions

House centipedes thrive in damp environments, so they often find their way into your home through cracks and crevices near moisture sources. Common points of entry include:

Doors
Basements
Bathrooms

These areas usually have higher levels of humidity, making them perfect hiding spots for these nocturnal pests.

Once inside, house centipedes might settle in your walls, seeking out moist areas prone to other pests, such as:

Cockroaches
Silverfish
Spiders

To prevent a centipede infestation, be proactive with these measures:

Seal any cracks around your home.
Manage moisture levels by using a dehumidifier in damp areas.
Keep your home clutter-free to limit hiding spots.

By addressing these factors, you can minimize the chances of house centipedes invading your living space. Remember to keep your living areas clean, address moisture issues, and seal openings to the outdoors. This way, you can create an environment that’s less inviting for centipedes and prevent an infestation before it starts.

Appearance of House Centipedes

House centipedes have a unique and distinct appearance that sets them apart from other centipedes. They possess an elongated, worm-like body with a yellowish-brown color and three dark stripes running along the top of the body source.

Not only do they have this striking color pattern, but their legs also make a bold statement. House centipedes can have up to 15 pairs of extremely long legs, which are barbed to help hold their prey source. The leg pairs increase in length from the front to the back of the body, giving the centipede an impression of considerable size.

Moreover, these creatures have well-developed antennae that aid in their sensory perception. Unlike many other centipedes, house centipedes also possess developed, faceted eyes source.

In summary, house centipedes have a unique appearance due to their elongated worm-like body, yellowish-brown color with dark stripes, long legs, and developed antennae and eyes.

Centipedes as Predators

House centipedes are adept predators that feed on various insects and bugs. You can often find them in damp and dark places, such as basements and bathrooms. Thanks to their numerous legs and speed, they can quickly catch their prey. Here are some of the common pests they help control in your home:

Spiders
Ants
Silverfish
Termites
Bed bugs
Flies
Millipedes

Besides their choice of prey, house centipedes have several features that make them efficient predators:

House centipedes have up to 15 pairs of long legs, aiding in swift movement.
They come out at night, taking advantage of the darkness to seek out their next meal.

Even though house centipedes are beneficial in controlling pests, many homeowners prefer not having these creepy-crawlies around.

Some pros of having house centipedes as predators are:

They naturally help control the population of house pests.
They are not harmful to humans, as their bites are not toxic enough to be deadly.

On the other hand, there are some cons:

Many people find their appearance unsettling.
They may be considered a nuisance by homeowners, even though they play a role in controlling other pests.

In summary, house centipedes are efficient predators that can help control various insects and bugs in your home. However, their presence may not be welcomed by everyone.

House Centipedes and Humans

House centipedes are yellowish-brown creatures with up to 15 pairs of long legs. They might look scary, but bites from them are extremely rare. You might wonder how they interact with humans, so let’s explore that topic.

These critters are actually harmless to humans. They might appear intimidating, but their primary prey are other insects, such as spiders, bedbugs, and cockroaches. In that regard, they can even be helpful in your home.

However, if a house centipede does bite, it can be quite painful. Despite their venomous nature, their venom is not dangerous to humans. If bitten, you’d likely experience temporary swelling and a burning sensation.

Some people might find the presence of house centipedes unsettling. If you prefer not to share your living space with them, try sealing any entry points and controlling the insect population in your home. The main reasons they enter human dwellings are to seek food, shelter, and warmth.

So, remember:

House centipedes are generally harmless to humans
They prey on other insects and can help control unwanted pests
Bites are rare, but can be painful
Keep your home free of entry points and insects to deter them

Preventive Measures Against Centipedes

To prevent house centipedes from entering your home, it’s crucial to take certain precautions. Start by maintaining a clean environment, as it eliminates sources of food and hiding places for centipedes. Sweep and vacuum regularly, dispose of trash properly, and store food in sealed containers.

In addition to cleaning, reducing moisture in your home is crucial. Centipedes thrive in damp conditions, so using a dehumidifier can help discourage them. Ensure proper ventilation, repair leaks, and remove excessive clutter.

Here are some additional preventive measures:

Seal any cracks and gaps in walls, floors, and around pipes.
Use sticky traps and diatomaceous earth near potential entry points.
Apply pesticides or insecticides, if necessary, outside the house to create a barrier.

Pros and Cons of Common Prevention Methods

Method	Pros	Cons
Dehumidifier	Reduces moisture, making the environment less attractive to centipedes	Consumption of electricity, may slightly raise electricity bills
Sticky traps	Non-toxic, easy to use and monitor	Only trap individual centipedes, may not completely solve the issue
Pesticides/Insecticides	Can create an effective barrier	Risk of harm to pets, plants, or humans if not used properly)

Always consider the safety of your pets and the environment when using chemicals or traps. If you’re unsure of the best approach, consult with a professional exterminator or pest control service to eliminate and prevent centipedes from invading your home. With a combination of these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the presence of house centipedes and maintain a comfortable living space.

How to Handle Centipede Infestations

Dealing with a house centipede infestation can be disconcerting. Here are some steps to help you manage the situation more effectively:

Eliminate their habitat: Centipedes thrive in damp, dark areas. Eliminate such conditions by sealing any foundation cracks, fixing leaky pipes, and keeping your home clean and dry.
Remove their food source: House centipedes feed on other pests like cockroaches ¹. By eliminating their prey, you starve them of sustenance. Keep your home clean and pest-free with regular cleaning and proper storage of food.
Trap and dispose: You can catch centipedes using sticky traps. Place these traps near baseboards and in dark corners where they frequent.
Natural remedies: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your home’s entry points to deter centipedes from entering. This natural, non-toxic substance damages their exoskeletons, making it an effective repellent.

If your centipede infestation is severe, consider hiring a pest control professional or an exterminator to handle the issue for you. These experts have the experience and knowledge to effectively eliminate the infestation and help prevent it from recurring.

Keep in mind that occasional centipedes inside your home can even be beneficial, as they eat other pests. Yet, if you find their presence to be a nuisance, the above steps should help keep their numbers in check and your home centipede-free.

House Centipedes in Different Locations

House centipedes can be found in various areas within homes due to their preference for moist environments. They are common in:

Bathrooms: Centipedes are attracted to the high humidity levels and dampness in bathrooms. Check around drains and sinks where moisture accumulates.
Basements: Being typically wet and cold, basements are optimal environments for house centipedes to thrive. Search for them in dark corners and storage areas.
Closets: These confined spaces can provide the necessary moisture and darkness that centipedes seek, especially if they contain damp clothing or shoes.
Garages: Similar to basements, the humidity and seclusion in garages make them ideal hiding spots for house centipedes.

In the U.S., house centipedes were first discovered in Pennsylvania in 1849, and they have since spread across the country, adapting to various conditions. They do not typically survive outdoors during winter because they struggle with cold temperatures outside heated structures. Consequently, they tend to seek out warm and humid homes during these times.

By understanding the locations that attract house centipedes, you can take preventive measures like reducing humidity and dampness in those areas to discourage them from invading your property.

Here is a comparison table of house centipede preferred locations with their corresponding features:

Location	Features
Bathroom	High humidity, dampness, sinks, drains
Basement	Cold, wet, dark corners, storage areas
Closet	Moist, dark, damp clothing or shoes
Garage	Humid, secluded, similar to basements

Remember, maintaining a balanced humidity level and addressing wet or moist areas in your home can help minimize the presence of house centipedes and keep your living space comfortable.

House Centipedes and Other Pests

House centipedes are yellowish-brown creatures that are quite distinctive due to their long legs. They are often found in damp areas like basements, closets, bathrooms, and under the bark of firewood stored indoors¹. These arthropods are known for feeding on small insects, such as ants, termites, bed bugs, millipedes, and spiders². In a way, they can be considered beneficial because they help control the population of other pests.

However, their presence can also become a nuisance for homeowners. When you see house centipedes frequently, it might suggest that there is an abundance of prey arthropods in your home³. This could indicate a larger pest problem, such as an infestation of cockroaches or ants⁴.

To deal with various pests, you might resort to using pesticides. Although these chemicals can be effective in eliminating unwanted bugs, they should be used cautiously. It’s essential to follow the instructions on the product label and avoid overusing them, as excessive use may lead to harmful effects on your health and the environment.

Some common pests and their characteristics:

Cockroaches: These insects are known for their resilience and ability to proliferate quickly. They may carry diseases and cause allergies.
Ants: These social insects often invade homes in search of food. Some species, like carpenter ants, can cause structural damage.
Termites: These wood-eating insects can cause major damage to structures by weakening support beams, floors, and walls.
Bed bugs: These tiny, blood-sucking insects are difficult to eradicate once they infest mattresses, furniture, and other household items.
Millipedes: While not directly harmful to humans, these slow-moving arthropods can become a nuisance if they invade your home in large numbers.

In summary, house centipedes can act as natural predators for other pests but can sometimes indicate a more significant issue. It’s essential to keep an eye out for signs of pest infestations and take steps to control them if needed.

Common Misconceptions About House Centipedes

Misconception 1: House centipedes are harmful

Many people believe house centipedes pose a threat to humans. However, they are actually quite harmless and rarely bite people. Even if they do bite, the pain is usually mild and temporary.

Misconception 2: They are a sign of a dirty home

House centipedes are attracted to moist environments and prey on other insects. Their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate a dirty home, but rather a nuisance problem with other pests that they feed on.

Misconception 3: They’re poisonous

Despite their creepy appearance, house centipedes are not known to be venomous. The long legs and scary appearance can make them seem dangerous, but they are actually quite safe to have around the house.

Misconception 4: They cause damage to homes

Centipedes don’t cause any direct damage to your home or belongings. They are more interested in hunting other insects and don’t infest food, clothing or wood.

Misconception 5: All centipedes are the same

Centipedes come in various sizes and colors. The house centipede, for example, has long legs while other centipedes have shorter legs. Additionally, house centipedes have three dark stripes on their body, while other centipede species may look different.

In summary, house centipedes are often misunderstood creatures. They are harmless, don’t carry diseases, and don’t damage your home. Their presence can be a nuisance but also helps control other pests. To keep them at bay, focus on eliminating the insects they prey on and reducing moisture in your home.

Life Cycle of House Centipedes

House centipedes, or Scutigera, have an interesting life cycle. They start as eggs laid in damp environments where they can find ample resources and shelter.

As the eggs hatch, the young centipedes go through several stages of development called instars. In each stage, they shed their exoskeleton, allowing them to grow larger and gain a pair of legs. As they mature, their speed increases, eventually making them agile hunters.

Some notable features of house centipedes include:

Long, slender legs with distinctive dark and white bands
Brown to grayish-yellow body color
15 pairs of legs when fully grown

House centipedes typically enter your home through various openings and entry points such as cracks in walls, gaps around windows, and openings in the foundation. They are attracted by the structure of your house, especially if it offers a damp environment and plenty of shelter.

To avoid attracting these arthropods, you may want to do the following:

Seal up any cracks and gaps around your home
Maintain proper ventilation to reduce dampness
Regularly inspect and deep clean your living space

By understanding the life cycle of house centipedes and taking preventive measures, you can reduce their chances of setting up residence in your home and maintain a comfortable living environment.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.

Letter 1 – House Centipede from Australia

Stripey Bug found in Private Forrest
June 9, 2010
Found this bug walking through my room, thought it was brought in from firewood from our private forest. It was fairly slow, even when running.
Nathan
Drouin, Victoria, Australia

house_centipede_australia_nathan — House Centipede

Hi Nathan,
This is a harmless House Centipede. It appears to be Allothereua maculata, a species found in Asia and Australia, and you can compare your specimen to the image on the Natural History Museum of London website. The species is different from our common North American species, Scutigera coleoptrata, which though it is found in many places throughout the world, it is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean area, according to BugGuide. Since we know we will be out of the office from June 15 through June 22, we are setting your letter and photo to post live during our absence so our readership can get daily updates in our absence.

Letter 2 – House Centipede from France

Subject: What is this??
Location: Golfe juan, South of france
July 25, 2015 2:00 pm
Hi, I’m currently in the south of France and saw this in my sink??? Any ideas? Thanks
Signature: Mr johnson

Dear Mr johnson,
This House Centipede is a common, cosmopolitan predator that has adapted to cohabitation with humans. They are not considered dangerous, though large individuals might bite if carelessly handled. According to BugGuide, the House Centipede is: “Native to the Mediterranean region, this species has spread throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North America.”

Letter 3 – House Centipede from Costa Rica

Subject: Fast-running insect
Location: Costa Rica, Alajuela
October 12, 2013 8:57 pm
Firstly, hello! this is my first submission after quite a while of reading the site :); anyway, to the important stuff, today when i was going to wash the dishes like usual, i saw this little fella in the sink trying to get out, no idea how it got there if the first place, and while i dont like bugs as much, im not a fan of killing things unless they are trying to viciously murder me too.
So i just took some pictures to see if you guys can identify it for me, then when i tried capture it with a tiny bag to set it free, as soon as i got it out of the sink it jumped and ran into the freedom of my backyard.
After getting on my laptop to check the pictures(and be surprised of the quality of my crappy phone!) i saw it has a huge pair of teeth or something! hopefully you know if its dangerous.
Thanks from Costa rica!
Signature: Andres

Hi Andres,
This is a House Centipede in the family Scutigeridae. We have been saying for years that the North American species, Scutigera coleoptrata, is perfectly harmless. House Centipedes are proficient nocturnal hunters that will help control undesirable species like Cockroaches. We have recently conceded that large House Centipedes might be capable of biting humans, though that rarely happens, and the bite would have no serious consequences. Bug Eric has a wonderful posting on House Centipedes.

Letter 4 – House Centipede from South Africa

Subject: Unknown centipede??
Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
April 28, 2016 10:41 pm
I found this insect in my bath in Bloemfontein in the Free State, South Africa. It has 12 legs on a side with antena on both sides of its body. The head is on the side with the shorter legs. . It can not walk up smooth surfaces.
Can you identify it please ?
Signature: Heidi

Dear Heidi,
This is not an insect. It is a House Centipede.

Thank you very much Daniel.
Have a great weekend
Heidi

Letter 5 – House Centipede from Australia

Nice looking chestnut coloured bug
Location: Kilcowera Station, SW Queensland, Australia
February 3, 2011 5:44 am
This bug has never been seen before here or anywhere else. It’s body is about 4 cm long and is segmented, a bit like a centrepede, it has 15 legs on either side, the 2 at the end are very long. It has nippers at its mouth end like a centrepede too. And beady eyes.
Signature: Toni

house_centipede_australia_toni — House Centipede

Dear Toni,
There is a good reason your creature reminds you of a Centipede. It is a House Centipede.

Thanks Daniel, I would have commented on wtb site but I can’t login even though I have registerd. Thanks for identifying my bug! It’s a great blog, cheers Toni

Letter 6 – House Centipede from Belize

Subject: bug in Belize
Location: near San Ignacio, Belize
January 25, 2016 4:06 am
Hi,
I saw this bug while in Belize last november. I was walking through the jungle at night near the town of San Ignacio. It is about 5 centimeters long en was sitting on a plant hanging over water. No idea what it is. Hope you can tell me! Thanks!
Signature: Susan

Dear Susan,
Though you found it in the jungle, this Centipede is a member of the order Scutigeromorpha and that orders members are commonly called House Centipedes. We haven’t the necessary skills to identify your species, but there is an introduced species, Scutigera coleoptrata, found in North America that has adapted quite well to living in homes where it helps to keep populations of undesirable insects and arthropods in check. Of that species, BugGuide notes: “Mostly encountered indoors in damp areas such as bathrooms, cellars, and crawl spaces. It will venture beyond these areas and is often seen quickly scurrying across floors or climbing a wall. Outdoors, they live under logs, rocks, and similar moist protected places.” It is our understanding that in some parts of the world, House Centipedes are found in caves. Your individual on a branch is quite unusual.

Letter 7 – House Centipede from New Zealand

Subject: what is that bug?
Location: new zealand
August 5, 2014 5:09 am
Could you please help me identify the bug on this picture?
Signature: Andre Pinheiro

Dear Andre,
This is a beneficial House Centipede, a nocturnal predator that will help keep your home free of Cockroaches and other undesirable insects and arthropods. Our North American House Centipedes are generally classified as Scutigera coleoptrata, but we recall individuals from the Southern hemisphere as being a different species. According to the Australian Museum site, the native Australian species is Allothereua maculata. The site states: “House Centipedes eat spiders and many insects found inside houses, moving quickly and pouncing on their prey” and “Technically, House Centipedes can bite but they are considered harmless to people.” We also located an article on House Centipedes from the New Zealand Herald.

Letter 8 – House Centipede from Fuerteventura, Africa

House centipede, close picture
Hi, think I have just found a House Centipede on the pool cover outside our holiday villa in Fuerteventura, an Island off the West coast of Africa. Saved him from drowning with a piece of paper and a cup after I took that pic!
Rob

Hi Rob,
Though we have no dearth of House Centipede submissions from around the world, we are thrilled to post your photo from Fuerteventura, Africa, a first for our site.

Letter 9 – House Centipede from Malta

Subject: Unkown Bug
Geographic location of the bug: Malta, Europe.
Date: 02/03/2019
Time: 05:21 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hi, can you tell me what this bug is?
How you want your letter signed: Mauro Cilia

Dear Mauro,
The House Centipede is a cosmopolitan, nocturnal predator that had adapted to cohabitation with humans. While it is possible that a bite might occur, House Centipedes tend to flee. Since House Centipedes pose no threat to the home, their predatory behavior might be considered beneficial since they eat Cockroaches, Spiders and other less welcome household intruders.

Letter 10 – House Centipede from Peru

30 legs of ”what the heck” in my room
Location: Peruvian rain forest ( within 25 miles of 12° 36′ 0″ S, 69° 11′ 0″ W)
October 30, 2011 10:35 pm
On vacation this summer, i spent time in the Peruvian rain forest. We slept in an abandoned schoolhouse, and i found this little creature hiding in my room. I took this picture late July/early August
Signature: Adam Protter

house_centipede_peru_adam — House Centipede

Dear Adam,
This is a House Centipede, a beneficial nocturnal predator that is perfectly comfortable cohabitating with humans and feeding off the other nocturnal arthropod residents like Cockroaches. For years we have been claiming that House Centipedes are perfectly harmless, though larger individuals may be capable of biting and Centipedes do have venom. The venom of a House Centipede is not considered to be harmful to humans, and we also maintain that bites from House Centipedes are extremely rare.

Letter 11 – House Centipede from the Amazon

Travels!
Location: Amazon
July 18, 2011 5:36 pm
I’m not sure if you answer requests for people who aren’t in the US/Canada/Britain etc, but I thought I’d give it a shot anyway.
This centipede I saw somewhere in the Amazon basin, right on the Eastern edge of the Andes mountains (near Ecuador). We were on a night walk and the guide said not to touch it as it was extremely poisonous. It’s pretty big.. Maybe four inches, though I could be exaggerating as it was a couple years ago.
Also, I love your site.
Also also, I’ve got many more unidentified bugs from various trips around the world.. I love taking bug pictures. But I figure this is a good start — I’ve always wondered about this guy.
Signature: K

house_centipede_amazon_k — House Centipede

Hi K,
Even though it was found in the Amazon jungle, this is a House Centipede in the order Scutigeromorpha. House Centipedes, like other Centipedes, inject venom through hollow “fangs” when they bite. We always tell readers that our North American House Centipedes are harmless despite being venomous. We don’t know what to say about the virulence of the venom of your Amazonian House Centipede.

Letter 12 – House Centipede Libeled on Entrepreneurial Website

House centipede
Well hello again, bugman!
This email isn’t an insect submission or question; instead it’s a “what the heck?” at a severely misinformed person profiting by telling lies of helpful hunter insects.
I stumbled across this website (linked below) while looking up insects with my wife. I should warn you, there is a rather graphic image on the homepage of what is actually a Brown Recluse spider bite, not a House Centipede bite as the website claims.
http://housecentipedes.info/house-centipedes-bite.php
It seems as though this website aims to spread false information about House Centipedes, and then sells literature, ideas, etc. on how to exterminate them from your home.
I sent an email to jill@housecentipedecontrol.com, in hopes to inform her of the farce of the website. I made sure to include some of the information I learned from your (wonderful!) website to try to educate her. Would you care to kindly do the same?
Kyle

Update
WAIT, WAIT…my mistake. Jill is NOT affiliated with the first website I linked…
Still though, BOTH websites are misinformed on house centipedes! Why?
Kyle Church

Dear Kyle,
Thank you for alerting us to this website that has falsely accused the beneficial House Centipede of being a “blood thirsty freak.” While we have nothing against entrepreneurial endeavors, we would like to caution the web browsing public that there are many sensationalistic statements on the internet that are published in an opinionated form, hence they are protected by the First Amendment and the right of Freedom of Speech.

Letter 13 – House Centipede from New Zealand

Subject: NZ Bug…
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
January 26, 2015 1:17 am
Hi Daniel, encountered this impressive specimen in the backyard this morning. I’d say the body was approximately 4cm long. I’m in New Zealand and its the height of summer here. Do you know what it is?
Signature: Many thanks, Stephen.

Dear Stephen,
This is a House Centipede, probably Scutigera coleoptrata, though we believe there are other species found in the Southern Hemisphere. According to Nature Watch New Zealand: “S. coleoptrata is indigenous to the Mediterranean region, but it has spread through much of Europe, Asia, North America and South America. It is thought to have first been introduced to the Americas in Mexico and Guatemala and now it reaches north into Canada and south to Argentina. … They have been found in eastern and southern Australia, from Perth to Adelaide, South Australia, to Sydney, New South Wales and in Tasmania. Other countries they have been found in include New Zealand, Japan, as well as South Korea.”

Letter 14 – House Centipede now running free

Hi Bugman/House Centipede
Here are two shots of this bug I found in the hallway between my bathroom and bedroom! Way to scary for words… (of course I caught and released it.. =)
Thanks for the very cool site! =)
Leah Balecha
Hollywood CA

Hi Leah,
I’m happy our humble site was helpful in your House Centipede identification, but I am amused that your photos were originally titled “monster”. We are also very happy your House Centipede is now running free.

Letter 15 – House Centipede or College Centipede?

ummm.what exactly is this thing? it was hanging out in our bathroom at my dorm suite.

So nice that even though you are living away from home, the House Centipede is living with you.

Letter 16 – House Centipede pet

INTERESTING INSECT
Apologies for the bad photo; I used my camera/phone. The insect is brown with darker brown stripes length-wise down its body. Its legs are striped width-wise. He’s soft-bodied (like a caterpillar), and quite clean, cleaning each leg meticulously. Not knowing what to feed it, I gave it strips of fresh carrot, and a few pieces of dry dog food. It has 14 pair of legs, 2 antennae in the front, and 2 antennae-like in the rear. His legs move in a wave-type motion. It has a pair of claws in the front, 2 eyes, and a ’round’ face (for lack of a better description). I searched different sites trying to ID this creature. I was unsuccessful. Would you assist me in identifying this great insect?
Thank you!
Judy

Hi Judy,
Your House Centipede pet is not an insect. Try feeding it live insects, like flies. You can even buy crickets from the pet store as food. They will not bit. Most people who send us letters concerning House Centipedes are terrified. Your letter was refreshing.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.