Centipedes are among the most unsettling creatures you might find in your home, with their long legs and rapid movements. Seeing one on your basement ceiling might instinctively make you want to get rid of it immediately. However, before reaching for a shoe, consider letting that centipede live—it might actually be beneficial to have around.

The Benefits of Centipedes in Your Home

Centipedes are natural pest controllers. They feed on other common household pests such as:

• Ants

• Spiders

• Bed bugs

• Cockroaches

• Silverfish

Essentially, centipedes act as nature’s exterminators, helping keep your home free of more troublesome pests. Unlike other household pests, centipedes do not cause damage to your home, and they are not dangerous to humans. While they may look unsettling, they don’t pose any risk to you or your family. Instead of killing them, consider gently capturing them in a jar and releasing them outside in a damp area.

Where Do Centipedes Live?

Centipedes prefer dark, damp, and secluded environments. You’re most likely to find them in:

• Basements

• Bathrooms

• Closets

• Other pest-infested areas

According to Penn State’s Department of Entomology, centipedes are believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region. They often seek shelter in:

• Expansion cracks in concrete slabs

• Gaps around pipes and wall openings

• Floor drains without water traps

• Cardboard boxes stored in humid areas

Because of their speed and agility, centipedes tend to avoid light and remain hidden unless disturbed.

How to Manage House Centipedes

If you’d rather not have centipedes in your home, you can take simple steps to make your space less inviting to them:

✅ Reduce Moisture: Centipedes thrive in damp environments. Using a dehumidifier in areas like basements and bathrooms can make them less appealing.

✅ Set Sticky Traps: These can help determine population levels and identify pest problems in your home.

✅ Keep Organic Material Away from Your Home: Avoid storing leaves, wood, compost, and other organic materials close to the foundation of your home, as these attract centipedes.

If you suspect an infestation, consider consulting a pest control professional for further assistance.

Final Thoughts

Centipedes may not be the most pleasant creatures to look at, but they serve an important role in keeping your home pest-free. As long as they’re not present in overwhelming numbers, they are harmless and even helpful. If you see one in your home, remember: if you don’t bother the centipede, it won’t bother you. Let it do its job as a natural pest controller, or simply release it outside instead of eliminating it.