Spotting a fast-moving centipede racing across your bathroom floor is enough to make anyone jump. But not all centipedes are the same, and understanding which kind you’ve encountered can make a big difference in how you deal with them.
In Fort Wayne homes, the most common species is the house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), a long-legged insect that prefers indoor spaces. On the other hand, “regular centipedes” is a general term that refers to other species found mostly outdoors.
While both look creepy and move fast, their appearance, behavior, and risk level are quite different. In this guide, we’ll break down how to tell them apart, where they live, whether they’re dangerous, and what to do if you start seeing them often.
Let’s dive into the world of these many-legged visitors and how to keep them from becoming uninvited houseguests.
Understanding the House Centipede
The house centipede is one of the most recognizable nd misunderstood ectoparasites in Fort Wayne. Long, leggy, and lightning-fast, it looks terrifying at first glance. But believe it or not, this pest is actually a natural form of pest control inside your home.
What They Look Like
House centipedes have a yellowish-gray body marked with three dark stripes running down the back. They grow about 1 to 1.5 inches long, but their 15 pairs of long, thread-like legs make them look much larger. Their movement is smooth and quick, almost spider-like, which adds to their unsettling appearance.
Where They Live
House centipedes prefer dark, humid spaces, such as basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and crawl spaces. They’re especially active during the night, hunting smaller insects like spiders, cockroaches, and ants. If you spot one, it may be a sign that you already have other bugs around that it’s feeding on.
Are They Dangerous?
Not really. House centipedes rarely bite humans, and even if they do, their bite is mild, similar to a bee sting. In most cases, they’re completely harmless and actually help control other pests. Still, frequent sightings could indicate excess moisture or an underlying infestation that needs attention.
What Are “Regular” Centipedes?
When people say “regular centipede,” they’re usually referring to the many outdoor species that live under soil, rocks, mulch, and leaf litter. These centipedes play an important role in the ecosystem. They help keep other insects in check, but they’re not something you want creeping into your home.
Appearance
Unlike the delicate house centipede, outdoor species tend to have shorter, thicker bodies and fewer, stubbier legs. Their colors range from reddish-brown to orange, and they look much more “worm-like.” They also have stronger pincers (called forcipules) that they use to inject venom into prey.
Where They Live
“Regular” centipedes thrive in moist outdoor areas such as gardens, under stones, woodpiles, mulch, and decaying vegetation. They love damp soil and typically stay outside unless heavy rain, drought, or cold weather drives them indoors in search of shelter.
Are They Harmful?
While most species won’t harm humans, some larger centipedes can deliver a painful bite if handled. Their venom isn’t life-threatening, but the sting can cause redness and swelling. They’re not aggressive, though they only bite if they feel cornered.
Main Differences Between House and Regular Centipedes
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you identify what you’re dealing with:
Feature |
House Centipede |
Regular Centipede |
| Scientific Name | Scutigera coleoptrata | Various species (e.g., Lithobius forficatus) |
| Color | Yellowish-gray with dark stripes | Reddish-brown, orange, or tan |
| Legs | Up to 15 pairs of very long, thin legs | Fewer, shorter, thicker legs |
| Body Shape | Slim, almost spider-like | Flatter, segmented body |
| Habitat | Indoors – basements, bathrooms, damp rooms | Outdoors – soil, mulch, under rocks |
| Speed | Extremely fast | Slower movement |
| Bite Risk | Rare and mild | Possible, slightly more painful |
| Behavior | Eats household pests | Eats soil-dwelling insects and worms |
| Preferred Conditions | Moisture, warmth, darkness | Damp soil and decaying organic matter |
So, if you see one scurrying across your bathroom tiles, chances are it’s a house centipede, not one of the thicker-bodied outdoor types.
Why You’re Seeing Centipedes in Fort Wayne Homes
Centipedes don’t move indoors without a reason. In Fort Wayne, seasonal changes, especially fall and spring, drive them to seek shelter inside. Here are a few common reasons they might choose your home:
- High humidity: Damp basements, leaky pipes, and poor ventilation create perfect breeding grounds.
- Other insects: Centipedes are predators, so if you have roaches, ants, or spiders, they’ll follow the food.
- Cracks and crevices: Gaps around windows, foundation cracks, or open vents make easy entry points.
- Outdoor conditions: When it’s too wet, too dry, or too cold outside, they look for stable indoor environments.
How to Get Rid of Centipedes (House and Outdoor Types)
You don’t have to live in fear of finding one in your shower. With a few smart strategies, you can make your home less inviting to both house and outdoor centipedes.
1. Control Moisture
- Use a dehumidifier in basements and bathrooms.
- Fix leaky faucets, pipes, or drains promptly.
- Improve air circulation with exhaust fans or open windows.
2. Eliminate Hiding Spots
- Declutter damp areas like basements or garages.
- Store cardboard boxes and paper in sealed plastic bins.
- Move firewood and mulch away from your home’s foundation.
3. Seal Entry Points
- Caulk cracks around windows, baseboards, and utility lines.
- Install door sweeps and weatherstripping to block gaps.
- Seal foundation openings where pipes or cables enter.
4. Use Natural Repellents
- Spray a mix of peppermint or tea tree essential oil and water near entry points.
- Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around baseboards and corners.
- Cedar shavings or cedar oil also work well as natural deterrents.
5. Set Traps or Use Safe Pesticides
- Place sticky traps in dark corners to monitor activity.
- Use insecticide sprays labeled for centipedes if infestations persist.
- Always follow safety directions or, better yet, call a professional.
Are Centipedes a Sign of a Bigger Problem?
Yes sometimes.
A few centipedes here and there aren’t usually a major issue. But seeing them often might mean you have underlying moisture problems or an insect infestation they’re feeding on. In that case, removing centipedes won’t solve the root cause; you’ll need to address what’s attracting them in the first place.
If the problem keeps coming back, professional inspection is worth it. Experts can identify the moisture sources, seal up hidden cracks, and safely treat the areas centipedes use to enter your home.
When to Call Pest Control in Fort Wayne
If you’re constantly spotting centipedes or you’re finding them in multiple rooms, it’s time to bring in professionals.
At Pest Control in Fort Wayne, we use targeted methods that don’t just remove centipedes but also eliminate the insects they prey on. We inspect your home from top to bottom, treat problem areas, and create a barrier around your foundation to prevent future invasions.
Our goal isn’t just to get rid of centipedes; it’s to help you maintain a healthy, pest-free environment year-round.
FAQs About House and Regular Centipedes
Are house centipedes dangerous to humans?
No, house centipedes aren’t dangerous. They can bite, but it’s extremely rare and usually harmless — similar to a mild bee sting. In fact, they help control other pests like spiders, cockroaches, and ants inside your home.
Why do I keep finding centipedes in my house?
Centipedes enter homes searching for moisture, warmth, and food. Leaky pipes, damp basements, and cluttered storage areas create the perfect environment for them. Sealing entry points and reducing humidity will greatly reduce sightings.
What’s the biggest difference between a house centipede and a regular centipede?
The house centipede has long, delicate legs and prefers indoor environments, while regular centipedes are thicker-bodied and live outdoors. House centipedes move faster and are more common in Fort Wayne homes, especially during cooler months.
Can centipedes bite pets or cause harm to them?
Centipedes usually avoid pets and people. Larger outdoor species might bite if provoked, but it’s not dangerous — just mildly irritating. If your pet tries to play with one, keep an eye out for minor swelling or redness.
How can I permanently get rid of centipedes in my home?
Start by controlling moisture, fixing leaks, and sealing gaps around doors, windows, and foundations. Remove clutter and use natural repellents like peppermint oil or diatomaceous earth. For long-term protection, schedule a professional inspection with Pest Control in Fort Wayne.
Final Thoughts
While both house and outdoor centipedes might look alarming, they’re not enemies, just misunderstood. The house centipede is more of an indoor hunter that actually helps control other pests, while regular centipedes prefer the outdoors and rarely bother humans.
Still, no one wants surprise guests with 30 legs crawling across the wall. Keeping your home dry, clean, and sealed is the best way to make sure they stay where they belong, outside.
If you’re dealing with recurring centipede sightings or need help identifying which type you have, Pest Control in Fort Wayne is here to help. Our experienced team can inspect, treat, and protect your home so you can rest easy knowing your pest problem is handled the right way.
