Finding a house centipede can be a deeply unsettling experience. Whether it’s scurrying across the floor, peeking from behind a door, or appearing in a cupboard, these creatures tend to make a lasting impression. With their 15 pairs of legs and ability to move at speeds of up to 1.3 feet per second, it’s no wonder they send many running for a shoe or rolled-up magazine. But before you swat at them, it’s worth noting that house centipedes actually have benefits for you and your home.

Why You Shouldn’t Get Rid of House Centipedes

First, it’s important to understand that house centipedes are harmless, though this fact might not make them any more welcome. They can, however, serve as effective natural pest controllers. These centipedes hunt and kill other pests, including termites, cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, moths, carpet beetles, and flies. They use their legs to capture prey and inject venom through their front two legs. Despite their name, “centi” meaning “hundred,” they only have 15 pairs of legs, though it can certainly feel like more. These yellow-gray insects, which have stripes across their bodies, usually hunt at night.

In the rare instance that a centipede bites a person (usually from being handled or accidentally stepped on), the bite is comparable to a bee sting. To treat it, clean the bite area with antiseptic and apply ice to reduce swelling. Unlike many other pests, house centipedes don’t leave webs or nests behind, making them relatively clean houseguests. Their primary purpose is to hunt other bugs, and they don’t cause damage to your clothes, furniture, or carry diseases.

Of course, the best scenario is to have no pests in your home at all, whether helpful or not. Centipedes often find their way indoors seeking shelter from cold weather or looking for the humidity present in damp areas, such as basements or under leaky sinks. To prevent house centipedes from moving in, it’s important to address the moisture issues and eliminate their food sources—i.e., the pests they prey on.

How to Get Rid of Centipedes

To start, check for moisture problems in your walls, which you can resolve by using a dehumidifier or installing a fan in bathrooms. Clear away any debris that might be causing leaks, and inspect under sinks or in the basement for potential water sources. Ensure that shower and sink drains are working properly and are free from puddles that could attract house centipedes.

Next, seal any cracks and openings around doors, windowsills, and corners, and look for gaps where pipes and electrical lines enter your home. Closing off these entry points will not only prevent centipedes from entering but will also help reduce other pests that serve as their food source. If their prey disappears, the centipedes will be forced to search elsewhere. To prevent this, patch up any torn screens, maintain weatherstripping around windows and doors, and regularly sweep away spider webs. Inspect your crawlspaces and basement for nests or cockroaches, and check that the dryer vent is sealed properly to prevent pests from entering. Additionally, consider using sticky traps, cedarwood sprays, vinegar baths, and sprinkling baking soda in problem areas. If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to call pest control for assistance.

If you encounter a centipede, avoid crushing it with a tissue, as this can leave a sticky mess. Instead, use a vacuum to collect any escaping centipedes and dispose of them by placing the vacuum bag or cup in a sealed plastic bag and discarding it in an outdoor trash can. You can also use diatomaceous earth, a powder that kills various indoor pests. Sprinkle it around corners, doors, and cracks, and wait 24 hours before vacuuming it up. Centipedes often frequent bathrooms and sinks, so pouring vinegar or bleach (but not both, as they can react dangerously) down the drains can help eliminate potential hiding spots.

For a serious infestation, consider insecticide sprays or dust, following safety instructions carefully. In some cases, a professional exterminator might be needed. While house centipedes aren’t harmful and can help control pests, most people would rather not have these multi-legged creatures hanging around for too long.