Centipedes: Friend or Foe? Why You Should Think Twice Before Killing Them

• Centipedes often appear in damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms, looking scary but generally harmless to humans.
• They are natural predators, hunting and eating common household pests like crickets, ants, cockroaches, spiders, and flies.
• Killing centipedes can lead to an increase in other problematic insects in your home, as they help control pest populations.
• Centipedes do not spread diseases, suck blood, or contaminate food; they only bite if provoked, causing minor irritation.
• Keeping your home clean and dry is the best way to prevent centipedes from entering, but if they do, it's better to relocate them.

Why It Matters: Centipedes are beneficial pest controllers; avoid killing them to maintain a balanced home ecosystem.