House Centipede
Scutigera coleoptrata · Spiders & Centipedes
The house centipede is a fast, long-legged predator that lives in damp parts of homes and hunts other small pests such as silverfish and cockroaches at night. Its speed and leg span alarm people, but it rarely bites and is considered harmless. Seeing many of them can mean there is plenty of other insect prey indoors.
Look for: A flattened yellowish-gray body about an inch long with three dark stripes and 15 pairs of very long, banded legs that make it look 3-4 inches across.
Quick facts
| Size | 25-38 mm |
|---|---|
| Legs | Many (dozens) |
| Usual colors | tan, brown |
| Where in the home | Bathroom |
| Active | All year |
| Peak | Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug |
| U.S. range | Native to the Mediterranean region; introduced to the U.S. and now widespread. |
| Bites or stings people | Rarely |
Seasons are typical across much of the U.S. and vary by region.
Peak season Active Typical across much of the U.S.; varies by region.
Often confused with
Sources
Not sure this is your bug? Try the Bug Identifier or ask your local Cooperative Extension office.