What emotions do you feel when you spot an insect in your home? Your instinct might be to reach for something to squash it, and understandably so, as some insects can be dangerous or carry harmful toxins. The creepy crawlers, especially those with numerous legs, often trigger a strong desire to eliminate them quickly.
However, after reading this, you may think twice before killing those intimidating centipedes you find, especially in your bathroom. While the sight of a centipede can be shocking, you might reconsider your reaction after learning about their beneficial role in your home.
These wriggly, fast-moving creatures actually help protect your space from other pests. There’s a specific type of centipede, slightly smaller than its longer relatives, with about 20 legs that acts as a natural pest control agent. They voraciously consume cockroaches, spiders, silverfish, bedbugs, and ants, keeping your home free from unwanted intruders.
Though centipedes are helpful, that doesn’t mean you should let them overrun your home. Instead, consider sparing the one or two you might find as a sign of appreciation for their pest-fighting efforts. While they can be startling, especially to young children or squeamish adults, it’s better to gently relocate them outside rather than squish them.
Additionally, think twice before squashing spiders, as doing so could release hundreds of baby spiders into your home—something you likely want to avoid. Centipedes, despite their appearance, are not harmful and do not spread germs like some other insects.
While they may seem frightening, centipedes are relatively harmless. In contrast, several other insects can pose significant health risks. Here are a few particularly dangerous ones to watch out for indoors:
Bullet Ants: Known for their painful bites that feel like gunshots, these large ants are typically found in the jungles of Paraguay and Nicaragua.
Botflies: The larvae of these parasites burrow under the skin of their hosts, causing painful infections as they develop.
Fleas: As blood-feeders, fleas can cause itchy, irritating bites and may lead to skin infections.
Fire Ants: These aggressive ants can sting repeatedly, leaving behind painful pustules that may persist for weeks. With over 295 species, some can cause allergic reactions.
Kissing Bugs: They transmit the trypanosome cruzi parasite through bites, leading to thousands of fatalities each year.
Giant Japanese Hornets: These hornets, reaching up to 2 inches long, have a deadly sting responsible for about 40 deaths annually.
Tsetse Flies: Their bites can transmit sleeping sickness, causing significant fatalities in Africa.
Killer Bees: Their aggressive behavior and sheer numbers can lead to fatal attacks.
Driver Ants: Known for their strong mandibles, these ants can overwhelm and kill various animals and insects, including humans.
Mosquitoes: Considered the deadliest creatures on Earth, mosquitoes are responsible for around 1 million deaths each year due to diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile virus.
Next time you see a centipede, remember its role in keeping your home pest-free and reconsider your impulse to eliminate it.