Both centipedes and house centipedes are carnivorous, preying on indoor pests such as cockroaches, spiders, and silverfish.

However, the venom claws of large centipedes (such as the Chinese red-headed centipede) can puncture human skin, causing intense pain and swelling.

The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) is harmless to humans and is not recommended for elimination.

If you find centipedes or house centipedes in your home, first check for other pests — their presence suggests an ample food source (cockroaches, etc.

Once the underlying pest issue is resolved, centipedes and house centipedes will naturally decline.

They prefer damp environments — using a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 50% will reduce their activity.

Sealing all cracks in walls and floors can reduce their hiding places.

If you see a house centipede darting across the wall, the best course of action is to leave it alone — it's working for you free of charge, hunting the pests you'd rather be rid of.