For many, seeing a centipede sparks an urge to squish it. But before you do, remember these creatures are *”natural defenders of your home.”*

**Nature’s Pest Control**
Shorter centipedes, with about 20 legs, are powerful allies against pests like cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, bedbugs, and ants. As the article notes, their presence often means *”an active battle against harmful pests.”*

**Harmless Yet Misunderstood**
Unlike disease-carrying insects, centipedes are harmless to humans. Their venom is mainly for subduing prey and rarely causes more than mild irritation.

**Real Threats Elsewhere**
In contrast, bugs like mosquitoes (*”up to 1 million deaths annually”*), kissing bugs (Chagas disease), and tsetse flies (sleeping sickness) pose serious health risks. Painful stings from fire ants, killer bees, and dangerous bites from driver ants and fleas highlight how centipedes are relatively harmless.

**A Nuanced Perspective**
Understanding centipedes’ benefits encourages a *”more balanced perspective on insect encounters,”* helping distinguish friends from true threats.

**Appreciation in Action**
Rather than eliminate centipedes, consider letting them stay. Their *”quiet, behind-the-scenes work”* makes homes safer and healthier.