Can House Centipedes Bite?

House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) can bite, but they rarely do. These fast-moving centipedes are generally shy and prefer to avoid human contact. A centipede bite typically occurs only if a centipede is trapped against the skin—such as when someone accidentally grabs or presses one.

Their bite mechanism involves modified front legs called forcipules, which inject venom into their prey (insects and spiders). However, these forcipules are too small and weak to easily pierce human skin, so most people never experience an actual bite.

Do House Centipedes Bite?

House centipedes are not aggressive toward humans or pets, and bites are very uncommon. They typically only bite when they feel directly threatened or trapped. The situations where a house centipede might be most likely to bite include:

Being handled or accidentally grabbed – If someone picks up a centipede or brushes against it while cleaning or moving objects, it may bite defensively.
Getting trapped against skin or clothing – When a centipede is caught between your body and another surface (like bedding, clothing, or shoes), it may bite to escape.
Cornered or startled – If a centipede feels there’s no way to flee—such as being confined in a small space—it may bite as a last resort.
Protecting itself from pets – A curious cat or dog that paws or mouths at a centipede might trigger a defensive bite, though this is very rare and typically harmless to pets.

Even in these scenarios, house centipede bites are mild and self-limiting, as their small jaws can barely puncture skin. Their instinct is to flee rather than fight, so actual bites occur only when escape isn’t possible.

Do House Centipedes Bite Humans

House centipedes are generally not aggressive toward humans and rarely bite. If a bite does occur, it typically happens only when the centipede is handled or provoked. Their bites are venomous but mild, usually causing minor pain, redness, or swelling similar to a bee sting. Serious reactions are extremely rare, and house centipedes are more beneficial than harmful, as they prey on other household pests like spiders, cockroaches, and silverfish. Overall, the risk of being bitten is very low, and they pose little threat to human health.

Do House Centipedes Bite Pets

House centipedes are more cautious than aggressive, so bites to pets are uncommon. Small pets, such as kittens or puppies, may be more at risk if they try to play with or catch a centipede. Bites to pets usually cause only minor irritation, redness, or swelling and are rarely serious. Larger pets, like adult dogs and cats, are generally too big for the centipede to perceive as prey or a threat, making bites extremely unlikely. Overall, house centipedes pose minimal risk to pets compared with the benefit of controlling other household pests.

Do House Centipedes Sting?

House centipedes do not sting in the way that bees or wasps do, but they do have venomous forcipules—specialized front legs used to capture and immobilize prey. These forcipules can deliver a mild bite if the centipede feels threatened or is handled. The bite may cause slight pain, redness, or swelling, similar to a small insect bite, but is generally harmless to humans. House centipedes primarily use their venom for hunting small insects and spiders, not for defense against larger animals. Therefore, while they technically inject venom, it is not a stinging mechanism and poses minimal risk to people.

House Centipede Bites

The risks associated with house centipede bites are generally very low, as these bites are uncommon and mild when they do occur. Still, it’s useful to understand the potential effects and rare complications.

Here are the main considerations:

Mild local reaction – The most common result is minor pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the bite site. The sensation is often compared to a mild bee or wasp sting and usually fades within a few hours to a day.
Allergic reaction – In rare cases, sensitive individuals may experience a stronger localized reaction, such as pronounced swelling, warmth, or itching. Severe allergic responses (such as hives, dizziness, or difficulty breathing) are extremely uncommon but would require immediate medical attention.
Secondary infection – If the bite area is scratched excessively, bacteria could enter the skin and cause an infection. Keeping the site clean and avoiding scratching prevents this.
Pet risks – Bites to pets are also rare and usually harmless. A small dog or cat may experience mild irritation or swelling, but the venom isn’t dangerous.

House centipede bites don’t pose a serious health threat. Most people only experience minor, short-term discomfort—if they’re bitten at all.

Do House Centipede Bites Itch?

House centipede bites are uncommon, but when they do occur, they can cause mild local reactions. The bite may produce slight redness, swelling, and a minor burning or stinging sensation. Itching can occur in some individuals, but it is usually mild and short-lived.

Do House Centipede Bites Hurt?

House centipede bites are very rare because these insects are not aggressive toward humans. If a bite does occur, it can cause a brief, sharp pain, often described as similar to a mild bee sting or wasp sting. The affected area may also show slight redness, swelling, or warmth, but the discomfort is typically short-lived. Serious pain or lasting effects are extremely uncommon, and most bites resolve without medical treatment.

What Do House Centipede Bites Look Like?

Bites from house centipedes are rare and usually mild, but they can leave noticeable marks. Here’s what to expect if someone is bitten:

Appearance: The bite typically produces a small, red puncture mark, sometimes with a tiny pair of dots from the centipede’s forcipules (venom-injecting jaws).
Duration: Symptoms are usually short-lived, often resolving within a few hours to a day. Rarely, mild swelling or redness may persist for a couple of days.
Allergic reactions: In sensitive individuals, bites could cause more pronounced swelling, itching, or hives, but serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon.

House centipede bites are not dangerous and usually require only basic first aid, like cleaning the area, applying a cold compress, and monitoring for any unusual reaction.

Do House Centipede Bites Swell?

House centipede bites are uncommon but can cause mild localized reactions when they occur. Swelling at the bite site is possible, typically small and confined to the immediate area. The bite may also produce redness, warmth, or slight tenderness, but these symptoms are usually short-lived. Severe swelling or systemic reactions are extremely rare, even in sensitive individuals. Applying a cold compress and keeping the area clean generally helps reduce swelling and discomfort.

Can House Centipede Bites Cause An Allergic Reaction?

House centipede bites are very rare, but like any insect bite, they have the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Most bites cause only minor local symptoms, such as redness, swelling, or mild itching. In uncommon cases, people may experience more pronounced reactions, including hives, increased swelling, or prolonged redness at the bite site. Severe systemic allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are extremely rare and have not been widely reported with house centipedes. Individuals with known insect venom sensitivities should monitor any bite carefully and seek medical attention if they notice difficulty breathing, dizziness, or widespread swelling.

What To Do About House Centipede Bites

Encountering a house centipede and getting bitten might be a rare occurrence, but it's still important to know how to respond if it happens. While house centipede bites are generally harmless and result in only mild discomfort for most people, it's essential to take appropriate steps to prevent infection and manage any potential symptoms. Here are some things you can do if you are bitten by a house centipede.

Stay Calm: First and foremost, remain calm. House centipede bites are typically not serious and rarely result in severe symptoms. Panicking can worsen your overall experience and make it harder to accurately assess the situation.
Wash the Area: As soon as you can, gently clean the bitten area with mild soap and lukewarm water. This will help prevent infection. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong antiseptics, as these might cause further irritation.
Apply Cold Compress: If you experience any pain or swelling, you can apply a cold compress to the bitten area. This can help reduce pain and minimize inflammation. Wrap the ice pack or cold compress in a thin cloth or towel to prevent direct contact with the skin.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: If you're experiencing discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Always follow the dosing instructions on the label.
Monitor for Allergic Reactions: While allergic reactions to house centipede bites are extremely rare, it's still a good idea to monitor the area for any signs of an allergic response. If you notice symptoms such as severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives extending beyond the bite site, seek medical attention immediately.
Keep the Area Clean: In the days following the bite, keep the bitten area clean and dry. Avoid scratching the bite site, as this can lead to infection. If you need to cover the bite, use a clean, breathable bandage.
Seek Medical Attention (if necessary): In most cases, house centipede bites do not require medical attention. However, if you experience severe pain, persistent swelling, signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, or pus), or any concerning symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional.
Observe for a Few Days: While uncommon, complications from house centipede bites can occur. If you're uncertain about the progression of your symptoms or if you're experiencing anything unusual, it's better to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Educate and Prepare: Educate your family members or household members about house centipedes, their behavior, and the appropriate steps to take if someone gets bitten. Being informed can help reduce unnecessary worry and ensure a proper response if a bite occurs.
Prevent Future Bites: To reduce the likelihood of future bites, take steps to minimize the presence of house centipedes in your home. This includes practicing good hygiene, reducing moisture, and sealing up potential entry points. Contact us to learn more about our professional pest control services, which help get rid of house centipedes in and around your home or business.

A bite from a house centipede is generally not a cause for major concern. Following the steps outlined above can help manage any discomfort and minimize the risk of infection. Remember that prevention is key, so taking measures to reduce the presence of house centipedes in your home can significantly lower the chances of getting bitten in the first place. If you have any doubts about your symptoms or concerns about the bite, don't hesitate to consult a medical professional for advice.