Many people feel uneasy around insects. Whether it’s a charming ladybug or a frightening spider, insects can provoke fear in many individuals. That’s why most of us react strongly when we encounter one and feel the impulse to squash them when they invade our homes.
Centipedes, often referred to as “hundred-leggers” due to their numerous pairs of legs, are widely spread throughout the United States and around the world. However, they are not frequently seen by humans due to their nocturnal habits and their swift movements.
Generally, these insects pose no harm to humans, as the venom of most centipede species is not potent enough to affect larger animals or people.
The positive aspect of these unsettling insects is that they prey on far more unpleasant bugs such as termites, spiders, silverfish, bedbugs, ants, and cockroaches, earning them the title of ‘beneficial insects.’
This alone is reason enough not to eliminate them when encountered inside our homes. Instead of squashing them, it’s better to either allow them to continue on their way or to gently relocate them outside so they can feed on leaves and other insects. In fact, this approach should be taken with any insect that enters our homes uninvited.
Of course, there are bugs and insects that are considerably dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, such as bullet ants, whose bite can make you feel as though you’ve been shot.
