Identifying Common Centipedes in the Southeast

Did you find a centipede in your house? Or maybe you’re curious about the centipedes living in your garden or leaf litter? Our region’s climate is centipede-friendly, which means you’ve likely crossed paths with these fascinating creatures before. But because there are so many native species here, you might not know which type it is – or even how to narrow it down. To help you out with centipede identification, these are the most common centipedes in the southeast:

• Giant centipede
• Soil centipede
• Stone centipede
• Florida blue centipede
• Tiger centipede
• Bark centipede
• Red-headed centipede
• Tropical centipede
• House centipede

What’s the Most Common Type of Centipede?

If we’re talking about inside houses, the answer is easy – the house centipede (scutigera coleoptrata) is the most common type of centipede by far. This appropriately named centipede is well-adapted to indoor living and an excellent hunter of insects and spiders.

House Centipedes – The Most Common Type of Centipede in Homes

You flip on the bathroom light and freeze. A frighteningly fast little creature darts across the tiled floor. You only see it for a second or two: it looks like an alien and has waaay too many legs. You blink and it vanishes behind your toilet. Your mind races, your heart beats: Get the flamethrower!

Before you go full Ripley on it, you should know that house centipedes are fairly harmless to people. They can sting you, so don’t try to handle them, but if you can get past the fairly minor sting (on par with a wasp sting) and the fact that they’re creepy, they can be beneficial. As predators of other pests in your home including insects and arachnids, they can serve as a form of natural pest control.

House Centipedes: Friend or Foe?

House centipedes are remarkable hunters that prey on insects including cockroaches, silverfish, termites, and other household pests. They use their powerful front legs, modified into venom claws, to paralyze prey with remarkable efficiency.

Some Southeast families believe these bring good luck. However, their alarming appearance and startling speed trigger instinctive fear in most people. They can sting you, so we recommend keeping your distance – especially for children and pets. And don’t try to pick them up or handle them!

What Are the Other Common Centipedes in the Southeast?

Most centipedes prefer to live outdoors, but will sometimes wander indoors in search of resources. This can provide a fright for homeowners, but don’t worry, if you see one, it’s probably an isolated incident. Centipedes are solitary creatures and infestations are rare.

Here are some other common centipedes found in the Southeastern United States:

• Giant Centipedes: Up to 8 inches long with reddish bodies and yellow legs. Primarily outdoor hunters in Florida and coastal areas.
• Soil Centipedes: Pale, worm-like with dozens of legs. Live underground in gardens and landscaping throughout the region. “Soil centipede” is not a specific type of centipede but a name given to several similar species.
• Stone Centipedes: Reddish-brown, quick movers. Common under rocks, pavers, and garden stones across the Southeast.
• Florida Blue Centipedes: Steel-blue bodies with golden legs, 4-5 inches long. Found in pine forests and sandy soils from Carolina to Florida.
• Tiger Centipedes: Orange-brown with distinctive striping, 2 inches long. Patrol forest floors and occasionally enter homes.
• Bark Centipedes: Small, honey-colored hunters that live under tree bark. May enter homes through firewood.
• Red-headed Centipedes: Dramatic hunters with red heads and black-banded bodies. Found in Arkansas and western Tennessee.
• Tropical Centipedes: Recent arrivals to southern Florida with exceptionally long back legs. Thrive in the region’s most humid areas.

Why Are There So Many Centipedes Here?

Our region provides an ideal environment for them. People often ask us if centipedes are insects or arachnids, but they actually belong to a completely different arthropod phylum called myriapods (which also includes millipedes). The Southeast’s distinctive combination of warmth, high humidity, and abundant rainfall transforms our landscapes into an ideal habitat for moisture-loving myriapods.

• Year-round humidity prevents exoskeletons from drying out
• Mild winters that rarely threaten their survival
• Abundant leaf litter and decaying wood that provide ideal hunting grounds
• Rich biodiversity offers an endless supply of prey

Are Centipedes Dangerous?

Centipedes are only dangerous if a person or pet gets too close. Most centipedes in our region can sting if handled, but their stings are generally mild — causing temporary pain or discomfort and rarely complications. The exception is the giant centipede, which has powerful venom that many say is a much more painful bite than a wasp sting.

Avoid allowing your pets near centipedes, and make sure children appreciate them from a distance rather than handling them. If you have concerns about a centipede bite, consult with a healthcare provider.

Does Seeing One Centipede Indicate an Infestation?

Probably not. Centipedes are solitary hunters, so finding one indicates abundant prey (like cockroaches). They will also eat each other when populations become too dense, a natural control that prevents true infestations.

What’s the Difference Between Centipedes and Millipedes?

It’s easy to get these two mixed up because both are long with lots of legs. But there are some distinctive differences between centipedes and millipedes:

• Body: Centipedes have flat bodies with one leg pair per segment. Millipedes have round bodies with two leg pairs per segment.
• Movement: Centipedes move quickly with legs extending outward. Millipedes move slowly with their legs underneath.
• Behavior: Centipedes are predatory and may bite. Millipedes are decomposers and curl up when threatened.

Centipede Control for Homes in the Southeast

When it comes to sharing your home with uninvited guests — even beneficial ones like centipedes — the choice should always be yours. At Lookout, our centipede control technicians provide targeted solutions and long-term peace of mind.

If you need centipede control or house centipede control in the Southeastern United States, call today and get started with a free estimate!