| House centipede Information |
The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, is a native of Mexico which also currently occurs throughout much of the United States, including Michigan. Unlike other centipedes, this species is capable of reproducing indoors, and in the cooler regions occurs exclusively indoors. They favor houses with crawl spaces or damp basements.
The house centipede is quite distinctive in appearance. It is 1 to 1.75 inch long with 15 pairs of long, slender legs (however, various immature stages may have 5 to 13 pairs of legs). The head bears a pair of long antennae and compound eyes. The grayish-yellow body has three dorsal longitudinal stripes and the legs are banded with white.
The house centipede is very agile. They run rapidly with the aid of their long legs, often stopping suddenly and remaining motionless. They prey upon many species of insects, spiders and other invertebrate animals, paralyzing them with a pair of special "poison jaws" located on the underside of the body immediately behind the head. They are readily capable of detaching their legs if grabbed by a prospective prey or other enemy.
There are a few reports of this species biting man, causing a localized pain no more severe than a bee sting. The wound should be cleaned to prevent secondary infection and ice can be applied to reduce swelling. The centipedes are most likely to bite if handled or stepped on.
If you choose to use an insecticide out of doors, apply diazinon 25% EC on foundation walls, under eaves and other areas where they gather. Do not use diazinon inside the household. Indoors, ready to use formulations of chlorpyrifo or propoxur is suggested.
For a complete listing of suggested control options for all home, yard and garden insect pests contact your local Extension Service, found under local government in the phone book.
Read and follow instructions on the pesticide label. Heed all warnings. Check with your physician if you have any concerns regarding your personal health risk. Revised by Tom Ellis, M.S., Department of Entomology
MSU 2003
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