Why You Shouldn’t Kill That Creepy-Looking House Centipede

If you’ve ever spotted a house centipede darting across your bathroom floor or kitchen wall, chances are your first instinct was to grab a shoe. With all those legs, creepy movements, and bug-like speed, they definitely don’t win any popularity contests. But here’s the thing: house centipedes are actually the good guys—and you might want to think twice before squashing one.

Nature’s Pest Control Team

House centipedes are like built-in exterminators. They don’t damage your home, they don’t carry diseases, and they don’t snack on your food. Instead, they feed on the real troublemakers, including:

• Cockroaches

• Termites

• Spiders

• Ants

• Silverfish

• Bedbugs

Yep, that “scary” bug is probably taking care of a whole host of nastier bugs that actually do pose a threat to your health or home.

They’re Harmless to Humans

Sure, they look intimidating, but house centipedes aren’t out to get you. They don’t bite people unless seriously provoked—and even then, it’s incredibly rare. At worst, a bite might feel like a mild bee sting, but for most people, it’s a non-issue. And unlike pests like rodents or termites, they won’t chew up your furniture, wiring, or food supplies.

Plus, house centipedes actually try to avoid people. They like cool, damp spaces and prefer to stay hidden unless they’re hunting prey. So if you see one, it’s probably just passing through in search of its next meal (and that meal is likely a bug you really don’t want around).

The Bottom Line

Before you reach for the bug spray or a paper towel, remember: that creepy-crawly centipede is doing you a favor. It’s keeping your home free from harmful pests—no chemicals needed. So next time you see one, maybe just let it do its job and keep your house bug-free.