Most of us react the same way when we see a bug in our house—either squish it immediately or grab something to toss it outside. But what if I told you there’s one insect you should actually leave alone if you spot it in your home?
Meet the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata). With its long, spindly legs and lightning-fast movements, it might look like something straight out of a horror movie, but this little creature is one of the best natural pest controllers you can have in your home.
So before you reach for a shoe, let’s take a closer look at why you might want to let the house centipede stay.
What Is a House Centipede?

The house centipede is a harmless yet incredibly effective predator that preys on many of the insects we actually don’t want inside our homes. These include:
- Spiders
- Cockroaches
- Termites
- Ants
- Bedbugs
- Silverfish
- Flies
Unlike most centipedes that prefer outdoor environments, house centipedes thrive indoors and tend to stick to damp, dark places like basements, bathrooms, and attics.
Now, I get it—these guys don’t exactly win any beauty contests. But trust me, once you understand how beneficial they are, you’ll think twice before killing one.
Why You Should Never Kill a House Centipede
1. They Are Natural Pest Exterminators
House centipedes are nature’s built-in pest control. Instead of using harmful chemicals or expensive exterminators, these little guys hunt down and eliminate unwanted pests for you.
Video : House Centipedes – What you need to know!
How do they do it? Their speed and venomous legs make them expert hunters. They don’t build webs or traps—they actively go after their prey, ensuring that other insects don’t stand a chance.
2. They Are Completely Harmless to Humans
Let’s clear up a common misconception—house centipedes are not dangerous to people.
Yes, they have venom, but it is only used to paralyze their prey. Their venom is too weak to affect humans, and they rarely bite. Even if they do, the worst you might feel is something similar to a mild bee sting.
That being said, house centipedes prefer to run away rather than confront humans. They don’t want anything to do with us; they just want to feast on the insects that invade our space.
3. They Keep Other Bugs in Check
Think of house centipedes as your personal insect bodyguards.
By keeping populations of cockroaches, termites, and other pests low, they actually help maintain balance inside your home. If you start seeing more house centipedes, it might actually be a sign that you already have a pest problem—and they’re just trying to help.
4. They Don’t Damage Your Home
Unlike termites or carpenter ants, house centipedes do not chew on wood, fabrics, or food. They have no interest in anything other than hunting insects. So unlike some other house pests, they’re not going to cause structural damage or ruin your belongings.
Where Do House Centipedes Hide?

If you’re wondering why you don’t see house centipedes often, it’s because they prefer to stay hidden in dark, humid areas. They typically hide in:
- Basements
- Bathrooms
- Under sinks
- Attics
- Closets
- Behind furniture
If you see one running across your floor, chances are it was just out hunting for food and not trying to invade your space.
How to Make Your Home More Centipede-Friendly (Without Letting Them Take Over)
Want to let house centipedes do their pest control job without feeling like you’re living in a bug-infested horror movie? Here’s how to coexist peacefully with these helpful critters:
1. Avoid Using Insect Sprays
Most commercial bug sprays will kill house centipedes along with other pests. If you’re serious about keeping them around for pest control, skip the sprays and opt for more natural solutions to deal with problem insects.
2. Reduce Moisture in Your Home
House centipedes love humid environments. If you have damp areas like basements or bathrooms, using a dehumidifier can help reduce their numbers without eliminating them completely.
Video : Just me holding a House Centipede
3. Seal Up Entry Points for Other Bugs
If you’re noticing a lot of centipedes, it could be a sign that other bugs are getting into your home too. Seal up cracks, fix leaky pipes, and eliminate other pests so your centipede population doesn’t get out of control.
4. Relocate Them If You Must
Not comfortable sharing your home with them? Instead of killing them, try catching them in a jar and relocating them outside. Just remember, without them, you might start seeing more of the insects they usually eat!
Final Thoughts: The Next Time You See One, Let It Live!
House centipedes might look creepy, but they’re actually one of the best insects you can have inside your home. They eliminate other pests, don’t bite unless provoked, and won’t damage your house.
So the next time you see one, resist the urge to squish it! Instead, think of it as your personal pest control agent, quietly working behind the scenes to keep your home bug-free.
What do you think? Would you let a house centipede stay in your home, or would you still get rid of it? Let us know in the comments!
My Girlfriend Left My Dog at the Shelter While I Was at Work, When I Went to Take Him Home, He Was Gone

Once upon a time, I met Frankie, a fluffy Great Pyrenees puppy with one eye and three paws, in a shelter. At that moment, I felt a deep connection with him. You see, life had been really tough for me after losing my parents in a car crash. I was so sad that I even tried to hurt myself twice. But when I saw Frankie, something inside me clicked. It was like we were meant to be together.
Frankie wasn’t just a pet to me; he became my best friend, my rock. His love filled the hole in my heart left by my parents. I was so grateful for him that I made sure he had everything he needed, even when I was at work. I set up cameras at home just to keep an eye on him.
He loved snacks, belly rubs, and cuddles, and I loved him more than anything in the world. I told my girlfriend, Leslie, all about Frankie and how much he meant to me. She seemed to understand until we talked about moving in together.
One day, while we were looking for a house, Leslie said something that shocked me. She said Frankie couldn’t come with us. I thought she was joking at first, but she wasn’t. We argued for hours, but I refused to leave Frankie behind. He had saved me, and I couldn’t abandon him.
Leslie left in anger, and we didn’t talk for days. It was hard without her, but I knew I had to stand by Frankie. He was more than just a dog; he was my lifeline.
I realized then that any future partner would have to accept Frankie as part of our family. He was a symbol of my strength and healing, and I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Weeks passed, and Leslie finally reached out to me. She wanted to make things work, but she still didn’t want Frankie around. I missed her, but I couldn’t give up Frankie for anyone.
Eventually, Leslie left, and I was heartbroken. But I stayed true to myself and Frankie. Then, one day, I found Frankie was gone. Leslie had taken him to a shelter while I was out. I was furious and hurt.
But fate had other plans. I found Frankie with a woman named Emma and her daughter Olivia. Frankie had brought them together, just like he did for me. Emma understood how much Frankie meant to me, and we formed a bond over our shared love for him.
In the end, Emma and I fell in love, and we got married. Frankie was there with us, a symbol of the love and strength that brought us together. Through all the ups and downs, Frankie showed us the power of love and resilience.
Our story may have had a rocky start, but in the end, we found happiness and love in the most unexpected places. And it’s all thanks to Frankie, our furry guardian angel.
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