Centipedes may look creepy, but they’re mostly harmless to humans. Their venom is used to catch prey and usually causes only mild irritation in people. In contrast, real insect threats include mosquitoes, kissing bugs, tsetse flies, fire ants, killer bees, and fleas—many of which “spread diseases or deliver painful stings.”
Rather than viewing all bugs as pests, it’s helpful to recognize that some, like centipedes, actually protect our homes. “Recognizing centipedes’ role as natural pest control encourages a balanced view of home insects.”
Instead of killing them, consider letting them stay. Centipedes quietly hunt more dangerous bugs, acting as a natural defense system. As the article puts it, “they work quietly behind the scenes to protect your space.”
Understanding which insects help and which ones harm “can foster a more respectful coexistence with nature’s smallest guardians.”
