Finding a centipede scurrying across your bathroom floor can be startling. With their many legs and quick movements, it’s natural to wonder: are centipedes dangerous? The short answer is that most centipedes you’ll encounter in your home pose little threat to you or your family.
I’ve been a licensed pest control technician for five years, working alongside my family at Better Termite & Pest Control. Our company has served the DC metro area for over 57 years, and I’ve personally helped hundreds of homeowners deal with centipede concerns. In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned about centipede risks and when you should actually be worried.
Understanding Centipede Danger Levels
Not all centipedes are created equal when it comes to potential harm. The type of centipede matters a lot.
House Centipedes: The Most Common Indoor Species
The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is what most homeowners encounter. These yellowish-grey creatures with 15 pairs of long, banded legs look alarming but are relatively harmless. According to Penn State Extension, house centipedes produce only enough venom to subdue their insect prey.
House centipedes rarely bite humans. When they do, it’s typically because they’ve been accidentally trapped against skin—like when you put on a shoe they’ve crawled into. The bite feels similar to a bee sting and usually resolves within a day or two.
Giant Centipedes: A Different Story
Larger centipede species, like the giant desert centipede found in the Southwest, can deliver more painful bites. These centipedes can reach 8-10 inches long and are more aggressive. However, they’re not common in the Virginia, Maryland, or DC area.
Can Centipedes Bite? Yes, But Here’s the Truth
Centipedes do have the ability to bite. They use modified front legs called forcipules to inject venom into their prey. However, several factors make centipede bites uncommon for humans.
Why Centipede Bites Are Rare
Centipedes are shy creatures that prefer to run and hide rather than confront threats. According to the National Capital Poison Center, centipede bites are fairly rare due to their nocturnal nature and tendency to avoid contact.
Here’s what typically needs to happen for a bite to occur:
- The centipede feels trapped with no escape route
- Direct physical contact forces a defensive response
- The centipede is large enough to pierce human skin
What does research say about centipede bite frequency?
A study published in the NCBI Bookshelf on Centipede Envenomation found that between 1979 and 2001, only six deaths in the United States were attributed to centipede bites. This extremely low number shows how rarely centipede encounters result in serious harm.
What a Centipede Bite Feels Like
If a centipede does bite you, expect immediate sharp pain at the site. The sensation is often compared to a bee or wasp sting. According to Healthline, you may notice:
- Two small puncture marks where the forcipules entered
- Redness and swelling around the bite
- Localized pain lasting several hours to a few days
- Possible itching or burning sensation
Most symptoms resolve within 48 hours without medical treatment.
Who Is Most at Risk from Centipede Bites?
While centipede bites are generally mild for healthy adults, certain groups should be more cautious.
Children and Centipede Encounters
Children may be more sensitive to centipede venom due to their smaller body size. Additionally, kids are more likely to handle or disturb centipedes out of curiosity, increasing bite risk. Teach children not to pick up or touch centipedes they find.
People with Allergies
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to centipede venom. According to MedlinePlus, severe allergic reactions can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of the throat or mouth
- Dizziness or fainting
Allergic Reaction Warning
If you experience difficulty breathing, throat swelling, or widespread hives after a centipede bite, seek emergency medical care immediately. These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis, which requires prompt treatment.
Pets and Centipede Interactions
Dogs and cats may chase or try to eat centipedes, putting them at risk for bites. Smaller pets are more vulnerable to venom effects. Watch for signs of pain, excessive drooling, or swelling around the mouth if you suspect your pet encountered a centipede.
First Aid for Centipede Bites
If you or a family member gets bitten by a centipede, proper first aid can minimize discomfort and prevent complications.
Step-by-Step Bite Treatment
- Clean the wound - Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water
- Apply cold - Use an ice pack wrapped in cloth for 10-minute intervals
- Reduce pain - Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Prevent infection - Apply antibiotic ointment and keep the area clean
- Monitor symptoms - Watch for signs of allergic reaction or infection
When to See a Doctor
Contact a healthcare provider if:
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve after 48 hours
- You develop a fever
- Red streaks appear near the bite (sign of spreading infection)
- The wound produces discharge or has a foul odor
- You experience any allergic symptoms
The Surprising Benefits of Centipedes
Here’s something that might change how you view these creepy crawlers: centipedes are actually beneficial predators that help control other pests in your home.
What Centipedes Eat
House centipedes are voracious hunters that prey on many common household pests. Their diet includes:
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Silverfish
- Ants
- Moths
- Carpet beetle larvae
- Even other centipedes
Centipedes as Pest Indicators
What Centipedes Tell You About Your Home
In my experience working with homeowners in Alexandria and Fairfax, I’ve noticed that frequent centipede sightings often reveal a bigger picture. These predators follow their food source. If you’re seeing centipedes regularly, it likely means you have other pests they’re hunting.
I recall one inspection where a homeowner in Old Town Alexandria was finding house centipedes weekly in their basement. After a thorough check, we discovered a moisture problem that was attracting silverfish and other insects. Once we addressed the root cause—fixing a leaky pipe and improving ventilation—both the prey insects and centipedes decreased significantly.
Why Centipedes Enter Your Home
Understanding what attracts centipedes helps you prevent them from becoming unwanted guests.
Moisture Is the Main Attraction
Centipedes need humid environments to survive. They breathe through openings along their bodies that must stay moist. Common moisture sources include:
- Leaky pipes and faucets
- Poor bathroom ventilation
- Damp basements and crawl spaces
- Condensation around windows
Food Sources Draw Them In
Where there are insects, centipedes will follow. Homes with existing pest problems—even minor ones—attract centipedes looking for easy meals.
Entry Points
Centipedes squeeze through surprisingly small gaps:
- Cracks in foundations
- Gaps around doors and windows
- Openings where pipes enter walls
- Vents without proper screens
How to Prevent Centipedes in Your Home
Prevention focuses on making your home less appealing to both centipedes and their prey.
Reduce Indoor Humidity
- Use dehumidifiers in basements and crawl spaces
- Run exhaust fans in bathrooms during and after showers
- Fix plumbing leaks promptly
- Ensure proper drainage around your foundation
Seal Entry Points
- Caulk cracks in foundations and around windows
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
- Cover vents with fine mesh screens
- Seal gaps around pipes and utility lines
Eliminate Other Pests
Since centipedes hunt insects, reducing their food source makes your home less attractive:
- Address any ant or spider problems
- Keep food stored in sealed containers
- Take out trash regularly
- Fix any cockroach or silverfish issues
When to Call a Professional
While DIY prevention works for occasional centipede sightings, some situations call for professional help.
Signs You Need Expert Assistance
- Seeing centipedes frequently (multiple times per week)
- Finding them in large numbers
- Discovering centipedes in multiple areas of your home
- Ongoing sightings despite DIY efforts
At Better Termite & Pest Control, we’ve served the DC metro area for over 57 years with a team that has 300+ years of combined experience. Our approach addresses not just the centipedes you see, but the underlying pest issues attracting them.
What Professional Treatment Includes
Our quarterly pest protection plan targets centipedes and their prey through:
- Comprehensive 78-point inspection
- Perimeter treatments using EPA-approved products
- Interior treatments in key harborage areas
- Moisture assessment and recommendations
- Four scheduled visits per year with unlimited callbacks
Are Centipedes Dangerous? The Bottom Line
So, are centipedes dangerous? For the vast majority of people, the answer is no. House centipedes—the type you’re most likely to encounter—pose minimal risk. Their bites are rare, relatively mild, and don’t transmit diseases.
The creepy appearance of centipedes often causes more distress than any actual danger they present. In fact, these fast-moving predators may be helping you by eating other pests in your home.
However, if centipede sightings become frequent or you’re dealing with large numbers, it’s worth investigating what’s attracting them. Often, addressing underlying moisture or pest issues solves the centipede problem too.
Have questions about centipedes or other pests in your home? Give us a call at 703-683-2000 or email info@bettertermite.com. As a third-generation, family-owned business with over 1,000 five-star reviews, we’re here to help homeowners throughout Virginia, Maryland, and DC get answers and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are house centipedes dangerous to humans?
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House centipedes are not considered dangerous to humans. While they can bite if provoked, their venom typically causes only mild, localized pain similar to a bee sting that resolves within 48 hours.
Can a centipede bite make you sick?
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Most centipede bites cause only temporary pain, redness, and swelling. However, some people may experience allergic reactions. Seek medical attention if you have difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or symptoms that worsen after 48 hours.
What should I do if a centipede bites me?
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Wash the bite area with soap and water, apply ice for 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Monitor for allergic reactions and contact a doctor if symptoms worsen.
Are centipedes poisonous to pets?
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Centipede venom can affect pets, especially smaller animals. If your pet is bitten and shows signs of pain, swelling, or unusual behavior, contact your veterinarian for guidance.
Why do I have so many centipedes in my house?
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Centipedes enter homes seeking moisture and prey. High humidity, water leaks, and other pest infestations attract centipedes. Their presence often indicates you have other bugs they're hunting.
Do centipedes carry diseases?
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No, centipedes are not known to transmit diseases to humans. Unlike mosquitoes or ticks, they don't spread pathogens that cause illness.
Should I kill centipedes in my house?
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House centipedes are actually beneficial because they eat other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. However, if their numbers become a nuisance, professional pest control can address both the centipedes and their prey.
When should I call an exterminator for centipedes?
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Contact a pest control professional if you see centipedes frequently, find them in large numbers, or suspect a bigger pest problem. Recurring centipede sightings often signal other infestations in your home.
With five years of hands-on experience in the pest control industry, George Schulz is a registered technician with the Virginia Pest Management Association and a proud third-generation professional in a family business that's been protecting homes for over 57 years. He manages and trains a team of service pros while also leading internal research efforts—recently spearheading a deep-dive review of thousands of documents on pest control materials to hand-pick the most kid and pet friendly, most effective solutions tailored specifically for homes in the DC metro area.