The House Centipede can be quite unnerving because with it’s 15 pair of long legs, it appears quite large. That fact along with their speed has startled many people. In reality, the body itself is usually about an inch or more long with it’s long antennae and long rear legs giving it a much larger appearance.

These pests are predators that feed on insects and spiders. They prefer damp and dark environments like basements, crawl spaces and bathrooms. Outside they live under accumulated damp leaves, wood or rock. Often they dart across the floor and may stop abruptly and freeze. In a few seconds they will again speed away.

If you see these insects on a regular basis, there are probably a considerable number of them as they are mainly nocturnal and secretive. This may also mean that you have some other insect problem. Keep in mind that these are predators and must have an abundant supply of food for them to multiply to any extent.