House centipedes are commonly found in damp, dark spaces such as basements, bathrooms, or crawl‑spaces—anywhere with moisture and hiding spots. Because they thrive in such environments and feed on other small pests like spiders, cockroaches, silverfish, and ants, their presence inside a home often signals that those pests are there too.

Despite their somewhat alarming appearance—many long legs, fast movement—house centipedes are generally harmless to humans. Their jaws are not capable of penetrating human skin effectively, and any bite is rare and mild.  Moreover, they serve a beneficial role indoors by hunting down other insects, making them natural “clean‑up” agents in the home ecosystem.

For those who would rather not have centipedes sharing their living space, the strategy doesn’t necessarily involve killing them. Instead, reducing their favorable conditions—lowering indoor humidity, fixing leaks, sealing cracks, eliminating the smaller pests they feed on—can significantly reduce their numbers. By making the environment less attractive (dry, well‑sealed, pest‑reduced), you’ll also discourage centipedes and the pests behind them.

In summary: while house centipedes may startle you, they’re more helpful than harmful—acting as natural pest controllers rather than threats. If you see one, consider it a signal that your home may have excess moisture or unwanted insects, and treat the underlying conditions rather than just reacting to the centipede itself.