House centipedes are terrifying-looking creatures. They a large, fast, and look like multiple spiders sewn together. With an inch long body, 15 pairs of legs, and antennae that make them seem even bigger, it is understandable that many people are startled when they see a house centipede.

They also have an unfair reputation here in Gainesville.

Despite their appearance, house centipedes are nearly harmless – at least for humans and animals. In fact, their diet of insects makes them a helpful “pest” to have around, so much so that if they were not so terrifying, they’d be the ultimate form of natural pest control. 

Finding House Centipedes on Your Property

Unlike other insects, house centipedes do not create nests or webs, so there will be few signs that they are present. You are most likely to realize they are living inside your property by seeing one running across the floor or hiding in a bathroom.

Centipedes prefer to live in damp areas. Bathrooms, basements, or any room with excessive moisture build-up is more likely to be a habitat for them. Local homeowners may find one resting in a bathtub or sink. In some scary situations, you may find one on the underside of the toilet. 

You may also see a house centipede racing across the floor. With 30 legs, the centipede can run at speeds of over 1 foot per second. This helps them catch their food, but can be alarming to see, especially if you come across a centipede at night when they are most active.

What Attracts House Centipedes?

House centipedes are carnivorous insects, meaning they eat other bugs. Two of their legs are adapted with venom that paralyzes their prey but is generally harmless for people or feels, at worst, like a honey bee sting. They will almost never bite unless they are handled and threatened. 

But because they eat other bugs, house centipedes are arguably an advantageous pest. In fact, they eat many of the same bugs that we try to prevent with ongoing pest control service:

• Cockroaches
• Flies
• Moths
• Termites
• Silverfish

House centipedes even eat bed bugs, which they consider a delicacy. That means that, in an ideal world, having house centipedes on the property would be like having a guard dog, but for other pests.

Should You Get Rid of House Centipedes?

In theory, as a beneficial bug, there is little harm in leaving house centipedes alone if you find them on your property. But their appearance is alarming and reason enough to want them gone. They are solitary pests, so all you need to do is squish it and the problem is solved. But the existence of house centipedes implies two things:

• Bugs are finding a way on your property.
• Other pests that you do not want, like cockroaches, are living around your home.

That is why it is so important to consider ongoing pest control from ExtermPRO. It is the most effective way to manage house centipedes and other pests, keeping bugs off your property all year long.