The Environment of Centipedes

Centipedes are predatory creatures that resemble caterpillars. They have long, flat segmented bodies and are usually orange, yellow or brown. They feed on spiders and insects with the help of two venomous fangs. Centipedes can have over 100 individual segments, each containing one pair of legs. Centipedes are often confused with millipedes, which have two pairs of legs per segment.

Geography

• There are various species of centipedes, many of which are native to Africa and the surrounding areas but now live all over the world -- in tropical climates, deserts and just about everywhere in between. Common house centipedes, scientifically known as scutigera coleoptrata, also call Africa and the Mediterranean region home. They have, however, traveled abroad to North America and are unfortunately here to stay. House centipedes are brownish colored and usually grow to between one and two inches in length.

Habitat

• Centipedes generally thrive in moist environments. Because of this, we humans often meet them while gardening, working or handling stagnant materials outdoors. Centipedes dwell in dark, secluded places such as under rocks and wood, in flower beds and in basements. They are most active at night but come out during the day as well. They may hide in just about any nook or cranny but appear most often on ceilings and near baseboards.

Other Pests

• The presence of centipedes in your home may imply an issue with other pests, and vice versa. House centipedes feed on household intruders like silverfish, cockroaches, flies and even other centipedes. An abundance of small scurrying creatures is a delicious invitation for centipedes, so the best way to eliminate centipedes is to rid your home of all pests. Seal small openings around doors and windows that bugs can crawl through and spray problem areas with insect repellent. Store food tightly and wipe crumbs off of sinks, counters and floors. Once the other pests are on their way out, discourage centipedes with a dehumidifier. Because dehumidifiers eliminate moisture, they sometimes aid in dispelling remaining centipedes.

Danger to Humans

• Most centipedes, though terrifying looking, are of little danger to adults and can even be beneficial in ridding outdoor areas of other pests. The common house centipede bite is similar to a bee sting and usually harmless. If bitten, small children and the elderly should see a doctor as a safety precaution, as should anyone with venom allergies. Bites from larger species, however, can be dangerous. Luckily, most larger centipedes reside outside the United States. If bitten by a brightly colored centipede or one longer than a couple inches, seek a doctor's care to avoid infection and other complications.