How to avoid centipedes and protect yourself at home

A forgotten piece of wood in the garden, a damp stone or even a rarely used drain can conceal an unexpected visitor. Centipedes, also known as scolopendras, seek out dark, sheltered places and generally only come into conflict with people when someone puts a hand exactly where they have taken refuge.

Where do centipedes usually hide?

Centipedes favour damp, shaded environments with plenty of available cover. They may therefore be found beneath stones, logs, piles of leaves, roof tiles, rubble and pieces of wood. In and around homes, they can also occur in drains, cracks and other undisturbed spots.

Such places protect them from drying out and may also harbour small animals that provide food. Finding a centipede does not, therefore, mean it is waiting for someone to walk past. Most of the time, the animal is simply hiding or looking for food.

Why do incidents happen when objects are moved?

The issue begins when someone lifts a stone, picks up wood or shifts an object without noticing that a centipede is sheltered underneath. Faced with sudden contact and no easy escape route, it may react quickly in self-defence.

This is why many incidents are linked to handling materials left still in gardens, storage areas and utility spaces. Wearing suitable gloves and checking objects before picking them up reduces unexpected encounters, particularly in damp places or areas where materials have accumulated.

How does a centipede inject venom?

Although people often refer to a “sting”, a centipede does not have a stinger like a bee’s. It uses modified structures near its head, known as forcipules, to catch prey and inject venom. This tool may also be used when the animal feels threatened.

The same adaptation that allows it to overpower small animals also serves as a highly effective defence. A few straightforward precautions can reduce the risk of placing hands or feet too close to a hiding place without realising.

• Wear gloves when handling rubble, stacks of wood, roof tiles or materials that have been stored for a long time.
• Check stones, plant pots and garden objects before lifting or moving them.
• Avoid putting your hands directly into cracks, holes and dark spaces without inspecting the area first.
• Keep outdoor areas tidy and limit the build-up of leaves, wood and objects that can provide shelter.

Watch the video shared by the YouTube channel Richard Floriani – Pest Control, which offers tips on avoiding and protecting yourself from centipedes indoors.

What can a centipede bite cause?

The venom can cause considerable pain immediately after an incident. Local reactions, including redness and swelling around the affected area, are also common. Severity varies according to the species, the animal’s size, the bite location and each person’s individual response.

Despite their frightening appearance and the reputation of some larger species, most incidents mainly result in local symptoms. More severe cases or unusual reactions should be medically assessed, especially if pain does not ease, swelling becomes excessive or symptoms develop beyond the affected area.

Why is understanding this animal better than fearing it?

Centipedes prey on small animals and form part of the environments in which they live. They do not hide in drains or rubble with the intention of attacking people. An incident usually occurs when their shelter is disturbed and contact leaves the animal with no room to escape.

Before picking up that forgotten piece of wood or moving a pile of objects in the garden, look first and protect your hands. A few seconds of care can prevent a very painful experience while helping you see a centipede for what it really is: a defensive animal, not a pursuer of humans.