Frequently Asked Questions About Insects - Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University

Frequently Asked Questions

Topic:	Centipedes
Question:	I am having a terrible time with giant bluish-black centipedes with yellowish orange legs and orange-brown heads invading my home. I know that I must have invaded theirs first...I must live on a nesting area. I hear that they have a sting with venom like a scorpion, but I've heard so many varying stories regarding how serious their bite is. My home has been severely infested at times. Last Sept. through November (1999), I killed about 45 in my home. About 30 of those were babies and some "juniors", but I had about 9 huge adults.
Answer:	I presume that you are in central Texas or somewhere west of there. The centipede genus name is Scolopendra. We usually call them Scolopendra heros but there may be some confusion about species name. These centipedes will enter homes, especially where weather changes. They can inflict severe "pinches" with their jaws, legs, and tail appendages. They also have some poison that can be dribbled or "sprayed" into an open wound. Part of the toxin is a cyanide compound, but they are not considered deadly. One key to management is sealing up the house and removing shelter from the outside.
Related Link:	http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/l-1747.html
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Response by:	John A. Jackman
Title:	Professor and Extension Specialist
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