House centipedes may look creepy, but they’re actually helpful allies.

With “long legs, lightning-fast movements,” and a scary appearance, they often get mistaken for pests—but they’re not.

Natural Pest Killers
House centipedes feed on cockroaches, termites, spiders, ants, and even bedbugs. These are pests that damage property, contaminate food, or carry disease. Centipedes help keep their numbers down, offering “nature’s own pest control” without toxic sprays.

Harmless to Humans
Although they have venom to catch prey, centipedes rarely bite humans. And if they do, it’s usually “a mild, bee-sting-like reaction.” They don’t destroy wood, wires, or food, and they avoid people.

Warning Sign of Other Pests
Seeing lots of centipedes could mean you already have a bug problem. They only stay where food (i.e., other insects) is available. Instead of killing them, it’s smarter to fix moisture issues, seal cracks, and keep things clean.