The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is a native of Mexico that inhabits much of the United States. Unlike other centipedes, this species is capable of reproducing indoors, although in cooler regions it reproduces exclusively outdoors. House centipedes favor houses with crawlspaces or damp basements.
The house centipede is quite distinctive in appearance. It is 1–1.75 inches long with 15 pairs of long, slender legs (however, various immature stages may have 5–13 pairs of legs). The head bears a pair of long antennae and compound eyes. The grayish-yellow body has three dorsal longitudinal stripes, and the legs are banded with white. The house centipede is very agile. It can run rapidly with the aid of its long legs, but often stops suddenly and remains motionless.
It preys on many species of insects, spiders, and other invertebrate animals, paralyzing them with a pair of special “poison jaws” located on the underside of the body immediately behind the head. It is readily capable of detaching its legs if grabbed by a prospective prey or other enemy.
There have been a few reports of this species biting man, causing a localized pain no more severe than a bee sting. The wound should be cleaned to prevent secondary infection, and ice can be applied to reduce any swelling. House centipedes are most likely to bite if handled or stepped on.
If you choose to use an insecticide out of doors, apply diazinon 25% EC on foundation walls, as well as under eaves and other areas centipedes frequent. Do not use diazinon inside the house. Indoors, ready-to-use formulations of chlorpyrifo or propoxur are suggested.
Courtesy MSU Extension
