Are House Centipedes Poisonous?
House centipedes (Scutigera coleoptrata) are venomous but not considered dangerous to humans. They have venom glands in their front legs (called forcipules) that they use to subdue and kill prey, mainly small insects and other arthropods. If a house centipede bites a person, it can inject a small amount of venom, but in most cases, the bite only causes mild pain, redness, or localized swelling, similar to a bee sting. Severe reactions are extremely rare and usually only occur in people who are allergic.
Appearance: The bite may leave a tiny puncture mark with some redness.
Symptoms: Mild pain, itching, or swelling; usually resolves within a day or two.
Treatment: Clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and use over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream if itching or swelling occurs. Seek medical attention only if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, widespread hives, dizziness).
House centipedes are generally beneficial in homes because they prey on pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and spiders.
House Centipede Venom
House centipede venom is specialized for subduing small prey, not for harming humans:
- Composition and Function: House centipedes have forcipules, modified front legs that act like fangs, connected to venom glands. The venom contains a mixture of enzymes, peptides, and proteins that paralyze or kill small arthropods (insects, spiders, other small invertebrates). These compounds target the nervous system of their prey, quickly immobilizing them so the centipede can consume them.
- Effects on Humans: In humans, the venom is much less potent, because our nervous systems are far larger and less susceptible to the enzymes and neuropeptides in the venom. A bite may produce mild pain, localized redness, and swelling—similar to a bee or wasp sting. Allergic reactions are extremely rare but are possible in sensitive individuals.
- Toxicity: House centipede venom is not considered medically significant. It is not systemic, meaning it doesn’t usually spread through the body in dangerous amounts. Most bites resolve on their own within a few hours to a day, with only minor discomfort.
House centipedes are venomous predators for insects, but their venom is essentially harmless to humans, causing only minor, localized symptoms if a bite occurs.
House Centipede Venom Reaction Symptoms
A reaction to house centipede venom is usually mild and localized, because the venom is designed to affect small prey, not humans. Symptoms can be broken down into common reactions and rare, more serious reactions:
Common Reactions (Most Bites)
Localized pain or discomfort at the bite site, often described as a sharp or stinging sensation.
Redness and swelling, usually limited to the area around the bite.
Itching that may develop a few hours after the bite.
Minor bruising or small puncture marks, sometimes barely visible.
These symptoms typically subside within a few hours to 1–2 days without any treatment.
Rare or Severe Reactions
In uncommon cases, especially in individuals with allergies to insect venoms:
Widespread hives or rash beyond the bite site.
Significant swelling extending from the bite area.
Painful or throbbing sensation that lasts longer than 24–48 hours.
Systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), extremely rare, may include difficulty breathing or wheezing, dizziness or fainting, swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, and rapid heartbeat
First Aid and Treatment
Clean the bite site with soap and water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
Use over-the-counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream for itching and inflammation.
Seek medical attention immediately if any signs of severe allergic reaction occur.
House centipede bites are very uncommon because these creatures generally avoid humans. Most people who are bitten experience only mild, short-lived irritation.