Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 2, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Arthropod

House Centipede

The house centipede is a species of centipede, *Scutigera coleoptrata*, commonly found in homes and other buildings.

Updated August 2, 20261 min readCited sources

The house centipede is a species of centipede commonly found in homes. It is a fast, nocturnal predator that feeds on insects and is generally harmless to humans.

What it is

House centipedes are yellowish-brown centipedes with up to 15 pairs of very long legs. Their elongated bodies and rapid movement make them distinctive and often conspicuous indoors.

Where it lives

Native to the Mediterranean region, the species has spread worldwide through accidental introduction. It is now found in homes and buildings in many parts of North America, including Canada, especially in damp, sheltered places.

Why it matters

Despite their startling appearance, house centipedes are beneficial predators that hunt common household pests like insects and spiders. They do not damage structures or stored goods and are generally harmless to humans, though their presence may indicate other pest or moisture issues.

In short

  • Fast, nocturnal predator of household pests
  • Harmless to humans
  • Indicates possible moisture or pest issues
  • Found in homes across Canada
Canadian angle

House centipedes are found in homes and buildings in Canada, where they are generally regarded as harmless indoor predators of other arthropods.

Quick questions

What is a house centipede?
A house centipede is the species *Scutigera coleoptrata*, a fast-moving centipede often found indoors.
Are house centipedes dangerous?
They are generally harmless to humans and are mainly a nuisance because of their appearance.
What do house centipedes eat?
They feed on insects, spiders, and other small arthropods, including common household pests.

Sources

  1. Penn State Extension — https://extension.psu.edu/house-centipedes/
    Supports: Common name, species, native range, habitat in buildings, diet, harmlessness, and indication of other pest issues.
  2. PestWorld — https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/occasional-invaders/centipedes/
    Supports: Physical description, behaviour, distribution, lifespan, and bite information.
  3. Missouri Department of Conservation — https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/house-centipede
    Supports: Scientific name, appearance, and native and introduced range.
  4. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station — https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/entomology/house_centipede_scutigera.pdf
    Supports: Predatory diet, lack of structural damage, and beneficial role in controlling household pests.