Virginia Centipedes
In Northern Virginia, several species of centipedes are found both outdoors and inside homes. The most common centipedes in this region include the following:
House Centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata)
Appearance: Long-legged, fast-moving centipede with about 15 pairs of delicate legs; yellowish-gray body with three dark stripes running lengthwise. Typically 1–1.5 inches long (legs can make it look larger).
Habitat: Prefers damp, dark areas such as basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces. Common indoors, especially in older homes with moisture issues.
Behavior: Predatory; feeds on spiders, silverfish, cockroaches, termites, and other small insects. Though alarming in appearance, they are beneficial and not aggressive toward humans.
Eastern Red Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)
Appearance: Reddish-brown, flattened body about 1–1.5 inches long; shorter legs than house centipedes.
Habitat: Common under rocks, leaf litter, logs, and mulch outdoors. Occasionally wanders inside homes, especially basements or first floors.
Behavior: Nocturnal predator; bites only if handled roughly. Their bite is mildly painful but not medically significant.
Soil Centipedes (Geophilomorpha species)
Appearance: Very thin, wormlike body with over 30 pairs of tiny legs; pale yellow or whitish in color.
Habitat: Live in soil, under stones, and within decaying organic matter. Sometimes enter homes through foundation cracks or drains seeking moisture.
Behavior: Slow-moving and secretive; rarely seen unless soil is disturbed. Harmless to humans but can indicate excessive dampness or organic buildup.
Bark Centipede (Hemiscolopendra marginata)
Appearance: Thick-bodied, dark reddish-brown centipede that can reach up to 3 inches long.
Habitat: Found outdoors under tree bark, stones, and logs; occasionally enters garages or basements.
Behavior: Predatory and more aggressive than smaller centipedes, though bites are rare. More common in wooded or rural areas around Northern Virginia.
In and around Northern Virginia homes, house centipedes are by far the most common indoor species, while red centipedes and soil centipedes dominate outdoor environments. Their presence indoors is often linked to excess moisture, insect prey, and entry points around foundations or plumbing.