Centipedes: they’re mostly known for having a ton of legs and looking super creepy. These arthropods have long, flattened bodies that are typically divided into 15 segments, have anywhere from (509) 572-3383 legs, and come in thousands of different species. Only three of them are common in Washington state though. 

House centipedes aren’t very big. They’re only about an inch long. They prey on cockroaches and other small pests. These yellowish-brown arthropods have 15 pairs of long legs, making them one of the less leggy varieties of centipedes (at least in terms of the number of legs–the length more than makes up for the number though). Despite their appearance, they aren’t dangerous to humans. They don’t pose any significant health risks and don’t cause property damage. That lands them squarely in the nuisance pest category.

Cryptopid centipedes are a bit more dangerous than house centipedes. This type of centipede is brownish-red, ranges from 0.39”-2.55”, and comes with a large set of pincers that deliver a painful pinch. They aren’t afraid to use them on their prey or your feet if they feel threatened. You might encounter them in your garage, basement, or mudroom. They’re quick, quiet, and tough to kill.

Bark centipedes are reddish-brown with yellow legs. They are generally larger than house centipedes, ranging in size from 0.98”-1.96”. Bark centipedes can be aggressive, so it’s best to avoid handling them. They can, and will deliver a venomous bite with their fangs if surprised or threatened. Fortunately, while the bark centipede’s venom is real trouble for their insect prey, it’s not fatal to humans. Getting bit by a bark centipede can hurt a lot though, and will leave you with red, irritated skin around the bite. These centipedes prefer to live in the forest but may venture into your home to find food.

They may look creepy, but centipedes are much like spiders in that they eat other pests like termites, spiders, flies, and cockroaches. In that way, they’re not too bad to have around (aside from their unnerving appearance and tendency to bite or pinch when provoked). That said, their presence could indicate a bigger pest problem. Turn to Proterra Pest control to help get your centipede and insect problem under control ASAP.

Proterra Pest Control can help you with all sorts of pest problems. Click here to check out our pest library to see what types of pests we can help you with today!