House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata
Anatomy
Identification
Distinguishing Features
- 15 pairs of extremely long, thread-like legs (appears to have more due to leg length)
- Last pair of legs in females can be twice the body length
- Large compound eyes unusual for centipedes
- Three dark stripes running down the back
- Capable of running up to 40 cm per second
Biology
Lifecycle
Long-lived predators surviving 3-7 years. Larvae hatch with only 4 pairs of legs and gain additional segments with each molt (anamorphosis) until reaching 15 pairs as adults.
Diet
Active nocturnal hunters that prey on spiders, bed bugs, silverfish, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and other small arthropods. They use their speed and venomous forcipules to capture prey.
Nesting
Require high humidity to survive. Found in damp basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and under sinks. Unlike garden centipedes, they are adapted for hunting on vertical surfaces and can climb walls easily.
Signs of Infestation
Sightings of fast-moving centipedes
Typically seen at night, running across floors or walls at high speed. Their distinctive long legs make them unmistakable.
Presence in humid areas
Finding them regularly in bathrooms, basements, or near floor drains indicates both humidity issues and prey availability.
Other pest problems
House centipede presence often signals populations of their prey: spiders, silverfish, or other insects sustaining them.
Shed leg segments
Centipedes can detach legs when threatened. Finding long, thin leg segments may indicate their presence.
Where They Nest
- Basement corners and floor drains
- Bathrooms, especially around tubs and showers
- Under sinks with moisture
- Crawlspaces and utility rooms
- Behind baseboards in humid rooms
Distribution in Canada
Established throughout southern Canada. Originally from the Mediterranean region, now common in heated buildings across North America.
Active Season
Active year-round indoors. More visible during humid summer months and when seeking indoor shelter in fall. Nocturnal - most often seen at night.
Prevention
- Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers and improved ventilation
- Fix water leaks and improve drainage
- Seal cracks and gaps around foundations and pipes
- Address other pest problems that serve as food sources
- Remove outdoor debris near the foundation
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping
Professional Treatment
While house centipedes are beneficial predators, recurring service targets both them and their prey. By eliminating the food source (spiders, silverfish, etc.), centipede populations naturally decline. Treatment also includes moisture management recommendations.
Get General Pest Control ServiceFrequently Asked Questions
What does a House Centipede eat?
Active nocturnal hunters that prey on spiders, bed bugs, silverfish, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and other small arthropods. They use their speed and venomous forcipules to capture prey.
Where does a House Centipede nest?
Require high humidity to survive. Found in damp basements, bathrooms, crawlspaces, and under sinks. Unlike garden centipedes, they are adapted for hunting on vertical surfaces and can climb walls easily.
When is a House Centipede most active?
Active year-round indoors. More visible during humid summer months and when seeking indoor shelter in fall. Nocturnal - most often seen at night.
What are the signs of a House Centipede infestation?
Sightings of fast-moving centipedes: Typically seen at night, running across floors or walls at high speed. Their distinctive long legs make them unmistakable. Presence in humid areas: Finding them regularly in bathrooms, basements, or near floor drains indicates both humidity issues and prey availability. Other pest problems: House centipede presence often signals populations of their prey: spiders, silverfish, or other insects sustaining them. Shed leg segments: Centipedes can detach legs when threatened. Finding long, thin leg segments may indicate their presence.
How can I prevent a House Centipede infestation?
Reduce humidity with dehumidifiers and improved ventilation. Fix water leaks and improve drainage. Seal cracks and gaps around foundations and pipes. Address other pest problems that serve as food sources. Remove outdoor debris near the foundation. Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
How is a House Centipede treated?
While house centipedes are beneficial predators, recurring service targets both them and their prey. By eliminating the food source (spiders, silverfish, etc.), centipede populations naturally decline. Treatment also includes moisture management recommendations.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Chilopoda
- Order
- Scutigeromorpha
- Family
- Scutigeridae
- Genus
- Scutigera
