Are Centipedes Harmful to Humans and Pets?

Spotting a centipede skittering across the floor can feel like something straight out of a horror movie. With their dozens of legs and lightning-fast movements, they look menacing enough to make anyone uneasy. But, are centipedes harmful or just creepy houseguests?

In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion. You’ll learn whether centipedes pose any real threat to humans, cats, or dogs, what to do if one happens to bite, and how to make your home a lot less inviting to them in the first place.

The Real Question: Are You Dealing with Danger?

Not really. Centipedes are indicators, not instigators. They show up because your home offers what they love most: moisture and insects. So when you see them, they’re telling you something important:

• You might have a damp basement or crawl space.
• There could be leaky pipes or poor ventilation.
• Or there’s an underlying insect problem they’re feeding on.

Fixing those conditions almost always resolves the centipede issue as well.

Are Centipedes Poisonous or Venomous?

People often use these words interchangeably, but they mean different things:

• Poisonous creatures cause harm when you touch or eat them.
• Venomous creatures inject venom through a bite or sting.

Centipedes are venomous, not poisonous. They use venom to paralyze their prey, including silverfish, roaches, and spiders. Reassuringly, most centipedes you find inside — especially the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) — are small, shy, and physically incapable of injecting enough venom to hurt a human or pet in any serious way.

Larger outdoor species, like the Texas redheaded centipede or giant desert centipede, can deliver a more painful bite. Still, encounters inside homes are rare, and even those bites aren’t life-threatening for healthy adults.

Are Centipedes Harmful to Humans?

Not typically. Centipede bites are rare and typically occur only when the insect feels trapped or threatened. A bite may feel similar to a bee sting — quick, sharp pain followed by mild swelling and redness that fades within a few hours. Serious allergic reactions are extremely rare.

What to do if you’re bitten:

1. Clean the area gently with soap and water.
2. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling.
3. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever or antihistamine for discomfort.
4. Monitor for unusual symptoms, such as spreading redness, dizziness, or severe swelling.

If symptoms worsen or if the bite victim is a young child or someone with a known allergy to insects, seek medical attention promptly.

Centipedes and Pets: What Pet Owners Should Know

Centipedes can make your curious pets spring into action. That twitching movement is practically an invitation for cats and dogs to investigate or pounce.

Are Centipedes Harmful to Cats?

Cats are natural hunters. The quick movement of a centipede can trigger their play instincts. Fortunately, most house centipedes pose minimal risk to cats. If your cat paws at or eats one, the worst you might see is temporary drooling or a mild stomach upset.

If there’s any swelling, vomiting, or unusual lethargy afterward, call your veterinarian – especially if you live in an area with larger centipede species. But for everyday house centipedes, danger is minimal.

Are Centipedes Harmful to Dogs?

Dogs are curious, too, and may nose around a centipede before realizing it bites back. Small bites may cause local irritation, but serious harm to dogs is rare. If your dog limps, licks the affected area excessively, or the area swells, clean it and monitor the situation closely. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by your veterinarian to rule out any underlying infection.

In both cases, prevention is the most effective approach. Managing moisture and pest populations indoors helps protect both your home and your furry family members.

How to Keep Centipedes Out 

Here’s where we shift from reaction to prevention. You can’t eliminate centipedes outdoors because they’re part of the ecosystem, but you can make your home far less inviting.

• Control moisture: Centipedes thrive in damp environments. Fix plumbing leaks, ventilate bathrooms, and use a dehumidifier in basements or crawl spaces to prevent moisture buildup.
• Seal entry points: Caulk gaps around windows and doors, replace worn weatherstripping, and install door sweeps to improve insulation and reduce drafts. Tiny cracks are all it takes for pests to sneak in.
• Reduce clutter: Clear out stacks of paper, boxes, and old clothes in dark corners. Clutter creates hiding spots, and more hiding spots mean more centipedes.
• Address other pests: Centipedes are hunters. If you’re seeing them, it might mean there are ants, roaches, or silverfish nearby. Reducing those populations will naturally discourage centipedes.
• Store firewood and debris away from the house: Piles of wood, leaves, and mulch near foundations can act as pest hotels. Keep them at least 20 feet away if possible.

When to Call a Professional

Most centipede sightings aren’t cause for alarm, but some situations do call for expert help. Consider reaching out to a pest control professional if:

• You’re finding centipedes regularly, especially in multiple rooms or near damp areas.
• You’ve been bitten, and the site becomes swollen, red, or painful after a day.
• Someone in your home may have allergies or breathing issues that insect bites could intensify.
• You suspect larger or outdoor centipede species (like Texas redheaded or desert centipedes) inside your home.
• DIY fixes haven’t helped, and the centipedes keep coming back despite sealing gaps and reducing moisture.

A licensed professional can identify the root cause of the problem and develop a comprehensive long-term prevention plan. That way, your home stays dry and centipede-free.

FAQs About Centipedes

Here are some commonly-asked questions about centipedes and whether or not they might be harmful in your home.

Can centipedes damage my home?

No, centipedes don’t chew wood, wiring, or furniture. They hunt other pests like ants and roaches, so seeing them can mean there’s another bug problem nearby. Fixing moisture issues or sealing entry points usually keeps them away.

Can centipede bites cause illness?

In most cases, centipedes won’t make you sick. Their venom is designed to catch prey, not harm people. If a centipede bites (which is rare), it may cause mild pain or swelling similar to a bee sting. Reactions vary from person to person, but serious health issues are extremely uncommon.

Will killing a centipede attract more?

No. Unlike ants, centipedes don’t release signals that draw others in. If you’re seeing them often, there’s likely excess moisture or other insects they’re feeding on. Managing those root causes is more effective than chasing them down.

Stop Centipedes Before They Multiply with At Home Pros

Seeing centipedes often means there’s more happening behind the walls. Instead of guessing where they’re coming from, let a professional help you find and fix the cause.

At Home Pros partners with trusted pest control companies, such as Terminix and Aptive Environmental, which use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-compliant methods to control centipedes while reducing the moisture and pest conditions that attract them.

If centipedes are making repeat visits, get a complimentary quote today and take the first step toward a drier, healthier home.