Centipedes are easily identified by their elongated, worm-like bodies, multiple legs, and long, sensitive antennae. Their coloring ranges from yellow to dark brown, and while they have small mouths, those mouths contain venom glands. Depending on the species, a centipede can have anywhere from fifteen to seventy-seven pairs of legs. These numerous limbs allow them to move quickly across floors and even climb vertical surfaces with ease, making them agile and efficient predators of small insects.

Although centipedes may look intimidating, they pose little threat to humans. They can bite and inject venom, but these bites typically cause only mild symptoms such as soreness or redness. Serious medical issues related to centipede bites are rare, making them more of a nuisance than a danger. Still, their sudden appearances in basements or bathrooms can startle homeowners and prompt immediate reactions.

It’s important to approach centipede control with caution and understanding. Many people attempt to kill house centipedes on sight, but experts suggest this isn’t always the best approach. Instead of being harmful, centipedes can actually help control other pests within the home, feeding on cockroaches, spiders, and ants. Learning about their natural behavior and understanding their role in indoor ecosystems is key to coexisting with or responsibly managing their presence.

There are also fascinating facts about these creatures that most people don’t know. For example, a centipede’s number of legs increases with age due to its ability to regenerate lost limbs during molting. If a centipede loses a leg, it can regrow it over several molts. Additionally, centipedes are one of the oldest land-dwelling animals on Earth, with a lineage dating back more than 400 million years—making them evolutionary survivors.

In conclusion, centipedes may not be the most welcome houseguest, but they are far from the menace many assume them to be. With their pest-controlling abilities and ancient history, they offer more benefits than drawbacks. Instead of reacting in fear, understanding their role and seeking professional pest control when necessary—like in places such as South Portland—can help create a balanced and informed response to centipede encounters.