Are Centipedes Dangerous? | Brooks Pest Solutions

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

24 Sep 2025

Centipedes’ long segmented bodies and fast darting movements can be startling to anyone. But do centipedes bite? Are they venomous? Is there really any reason to be afraid of them? Whether you’re actively finding centipedes in your home or want to be prepared in case one invades, discover helpful answers to these questions with the experts at Brooks Pest Solutions.

Understanding Different Types of Centipedes

The reality is that while centipedes do carry venom and can deliver a painful sting using their front pincers, most species you’ll encounter in and around your home are not dangerous. Instead, they’re busy hunting the other pests.

Centipedes come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny species you’ll hardly notice to ones that can span several inches. They all share a common trait, a specialized venom used to immobilize their prey. Despite this, nearly all species pose little to no risk to humans, meaning these insects are more of an unpleasant surprise than a danger.

Soil Centipedes are Helpful

Soil centipedes should be the least of your concerns. In fact, spotting a few of them in your yard or garden can actually be a good sign. These burrowing predators spend their lives underground, where they use their venom to subdue smaller insects and larvae.

Among their favorite meals are grubs and beetle larvae, which can cause real harm to your grass and herbs by chewing through their roots. By thinning out these underground pests, soil centipedes help protect your lawn and garden beds. While they do have venom, its potency is so mild that it poses little worry to you or your family.

Bark Centipedes May Sting a Little

Bark centipedes are some of the largest you’ll find in North America, sometimes reaching several inches in length. Despite their size, they’re quick and agile hunters. They’ll ambush or chase down a wide variety of prey, including insects, other centipedes, and even small reptiles when given the chance.

With their size comes a stronger sting and larger dose of venom compared to smaller species. Still, bark centipedes pose little risk to adults. Their sting feels similar to that of a bee or wasp, usually causing brief pain and swelling but rarely requiring medical attention.

House Centipedes Are Not So Scary

House centipedes stand out from the rest. Their extremely long legs make them look smaller-bodied than they really are, usually around the length of your thumb. With tightly packed segments and their banded appearance, they often resemble an old hair tie more than a traditional insect.

These are the centipedes you are most likely to find indoors. Unlike outdoor species, they’ve adapted to retain their moisture and thrive in drier environments. Their incredible speed and agility allow them to run across walls and floors with ease, chasing down flies, roaches, and other pests. While their looks may be unsettling, house centipedes are more of an ally in your fight against unwanted insects.

Do I Need to Worry About Centipedes in My Home?

More often than not, centipedes themselves are not the real problem. Instead, they’re a clue that another issue may be hiding in your home. Since they are hunters, their presence usually means there’s a steady supply of prey nearby, such as spiders, roaches, or other insects. If you’re seeing centipedes indoors, it’s time to consider what they’re feeding on and take steps to stop those underlying pests before the problem grows.

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Brooks Pest Solutions

Whether you’re actively dealing with a centipede issue or want to prevent them from invading, Brooks Pest Solutions can help. Our team knows how to track down what’s drawing centipedes inside, treat the root of the problem, and help you reclaim your space.

Contact Brooks Pest Solutions to request a quote on your centipede removal service today.