PEST DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
Laboratory Services Division, University of Guelph
95 Stone Rd. West, Guelph, Ontario N1H 8J7
Phone: (519) 767-6299
E-mail: aflinfo@uoguelph.ca
Web: www.guelphlabservices.com
THE HOUSE CENTIPEDE
Scutigera coleoptrata (L.)
Centipedes are members of the class of
arthropods known as Myriapoda (manyfooted organisms), and are distributed
throughout North America. These
insects are nocturnal and are often found
both indoors and outdoors, under logs,
rocks and debris. House centipedes are
found in damp sub floor areas,
basements and in the vicinity of sinks and drains. They are considered very beneficial as
they prey on insect pests and organic material. They rarely bite causing pain no more
severe than a bee sting. Outdoor centipedes should not be destroyed.
The centipede is easily distinguished from other insects since they have more than 3 pairs
of legs. They are 2.5 to 4 cm long, with very long antennae and 15 pairs of legs, enabling it
to move very quickly. The last pair of legs is twice as long as the body, giving it a curious
form and making it easy to identify. It is capable of reproducing in the house, and when the
larvae hatch from the eggs, they have four pairs of legs. Five more larval stages follow
with 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 pairs of legs respectively. This is followed by 4 adolescent stages,
each with 15 pairs of legs.
CONTROL
Using a dehumidifier to dry out damp basements will help eliminate centipedes. By
controlling other household insects, the centipedes food supply, will reduce centipede
numbers. Apply an appropriate chemical to baseboards, crevices, cracks and openings in
concrete. Dusts of the same insecticides are useful to blow into wall voids and crawl
spaces.
Outdoor species of centipedes may migrate indoors. The removal of trash, rocks,
boards, compost piles, and other hiding places around the structure will help control the
insect. It is usually unnecessary to treat a wide band of lawn or soil around buildings.
Please contact a local garden centre for product advice. Follow all label instructions.
H.W. Goble
PDCF-084 (Revised 2012-06-25)