Few things are as startling as seeing a house centipede race across your floor and disappear under furniture.

Their sudden movements and long legs can send shivers down anyone’s spine, making people reach for a shoe or magazine to get rid of them.
But there’s a good reason to think twice before squashing these unexpected visitors.

Why Centipedes Startle Us
House centipedes often appear suddenly, whether darting across the room or emerging from behind furniture.
With their 15 pairs of legs and ability to move over a foot per second, they are among the fastest pests you’ll encounter.
This speed makes them seem more unsettling than they really are.
How They Benefit Your Home
Before reacting, consider this: house centipedes are natural pest controllers.
They hunt and eat unwanted insects like roaches, moths, flies, silverfish, and even termites.
Centipedes don’t harm your home—they don’t damage wood or spread diseases. Their only interest is hunting other pests.
Clean and Low-Maintenance
Unlike spiders that leave webs or ants that form trails, house centipedes are relatively clean.
They don’t create nests or leave behind any mess, making them much less disruptive than other pests.
By eating other insects, they help reduce the overall pest population in your home.

Rare Bites and Simple Treatment
Though centipede bites are rare, they can happen if the creature feels threatened.
A bite may feel like a bee sting, causing redness, minor swelling, and discomfort.

If bitten, wash the area with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and use a cold compress to ease swelling. Monitor for any allergic reactions.

If you don’t want centipedes in your home, reduce moisture by using dehumidifiers and fixing leaks.
Seal cracks and gaps around doors and windows to block entry. Keep your home clean and free of debris to remove food sources for pests.
For severe issues, professional pest control can provide safe and effective solutions.
House centipedes may look creepy, but their benefits might make you reconsider squashing them.