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Bites From Centipedes

Centipedes exist across North America, coming in a variety of sizes. Generally, the larger the centipede, the more easily it can bite a human and also the more toxic the bite. The largest centipede resides in the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern United States, where it typically lives under rocks and logs.

  1. How Centipedes Bite

    • Centipedes do not have teeth or fangs they use for biting prey. Centipedes do, however, use "poison claws" located on either side of a centipede's head to "bite" a victim. The poison claws inject poison into a victim, usually an insect, and paralyzes it. Centipedes use their poison claws on other centipedes as well and use them defensively on larger animals, such as humans.

    Symptoms and Treatment

    • The area where a centipede has successfully bitten a victim typically swells up and becomes red, similar to some spider bites. To take necessary precautions with the bite, wash the area around the bite thoroughly with soap and warm water. Apply an ice pack to the bite or make a cold compress by dipping a cloth in cold water. Either method can help reduce the swelling in the bite zone. A centipede's bite typically only causes inflammation and discomfort for several hours.

    Risks

    • While centipede bites usually only result in a few hours of swelling or discomfort, the risk of more severe reactions and prolonged periods of swelling increases if the victim is smaller, such as a child, or has a history of allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. The swelling should stay in the immediate area of the bite, so any signs of the swelling spreading are a cause for concern. Contact a physician or other medical help if the symptoms of the centipede bite do not go away after a 12-hour period, since this could indicate a more serious medical condition. According to Desert USA's guide to centipedes, you should also seek medical attention immediately if the bite causes the victim to feel nauseous, develop a headache or feel dizzy, if the lymph glands swell or if there is any sign of tissue damage around the bite zone.

    Centipede Behavior

    • Centipedes seek out areas that are cold and dark, such as basements, shoes, clothing and stored boxes. Centipedes also have been known to hide in bed sheets. Care should be taken to not allow your skin to come into contact with a centipede to avoid being bitten. Ways to avoid coming into contact with centipedes include shaking clothes out before putting them on, turning shoes over and tapping them against the ground before putting your feet inside and shaking out bed sheets before climbing into bed. If you see a centipede, do not try to pick one up with your hands or step on it with your bare feet.

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