Spotting a centipede often triggers fear, but these creatures are actually helpful allies. Shorter centipedes, with around 20 legs, hunt pests like cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, bedbugs, and ants, keeping your home healthier without spreading diseases.

Though their venom subdues prey, it rarely harms humans—at worst causing mild irritation. This contrasts sharply with real threats like mosquitoes, kissing bugs, tsetse flies, fire ants, killer bees, and fleas, which spread diseases or deliver painful stings.

Recognizing centipedes’ role as natural pest control encourages a balanced view of home insects. While they may not be pretty, they work quietly behind the scenes to protect your space.

Instead of squashing them, consider letting centipedes stay. Learning which insects are helpful and which are harmful can foster a more respectful coexistence with nature’s smallest guardians.