Most people don’t like bugs, although there are a few exceptions to this rule, like bees, ladybugs, praying mantises, and dragonflies. Many find these bugs fascinating and beautiful, and also beneficial to Mother Nature herself.
But centipedes and roaches are usually not on the “like” list!
Do centipedes eat roaches?
If you spot a centipede in your house, it could be a beneficial sign, particularly if you’ve got a roach infestation. Centipedes will certainly hunt and kill roaches.
In this article I’ll go into the details of centipedes and roaches.
Do Centipedes Eat Roaches?
Yes, centipedes will hunt, kill, and eat roaches, including those in your house. Like spiders, they can help control pest populations but are also in some ways pests themselves.
You may not be aware of this, but technically centipedes are not insects. They are actually a species called arthropods, which are segmented animals that have pairs of legs attached to each segment, just like a lobster, crab, spider, or scorpion.
In addition, centipedes are actually quite beneficial in terms of being a natural form of pest control, because they eat prey that you would consider a problem, especially if you happen to be sharing your home with them.
Yes, centipedes will hunt, kill, and eat roaches, including those in your house. Like spiders, they can help control pest populations but are also in some ways pests themselves.
Centipedes are carnivores. This is the real reason why centipedes are venomous and have a stinging mechanism so that they can inject their venom into prey.
In general, they won’t just pinch another animal like a pet, or a human when they feel under attack, though it can happen, and it can be quite painful. They will also use their venom for self-defense, if necessary.
When they inject their prey with their venom, a toxic poison in the venom causes a rapid paralysis of the bug that affects its cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. This is why giant centipedes are able to kill animals as large as mice and bats!
However, house centipedes only eat insects which can be a problem if you have an infestation in your home. And this is very likely the reason why you spotted one in the first place.
When centipedes grow, their first two legs near the head are transformed into pincer-like claws that hold the venom. They then use their other legs to scoop up their prey to eat after the paralysis sets in.
And the fact that they have many legs — sometimes up to 35 pairs of legs for the average house centipede — also gives them the ability to maneuver not only forward, but also backward and sideways, which means they are able to chase roaches unlike almost anything else.
But if you have seen centipedes in your house, and you are absolutely sure that an insect infestation like roaches isn’t a problem, then you need to know the likely places that these creatures like to hide.
If centipedes have invaded your home or apartment to seek shelter from the cold, then they will find dark places to hide where there is a lot of moisture. This is why centipedes are most commonly found in damp basements and closets, bathrooms, and under kitchen sinks — places where roaches also like.Â
Centipedes are most commonly found in damp basements and closets, bathrooms, and under kitchen sinks — places where roaches also like.Â
They will also seek shelter in potted plants, in places where there is lots of dust and clutter, or in piles of old books and newspapers, as well as any other areas where water accumulation and humidity can be an issue, like crawlspaces, or drainage areas.
During the warmer months, centipedes will live outside. They seek their shelter in dark, damp places such as piles of rotting wood or logs, and under trash bins, piles of mulch, wet stones, and piles of leaves or other decaying vegetation.Â
If you want to rid your home of centipedes, you’ll need to get rid of the clutter and lawn debris both inside and outside your house, as well as use a dehumidifier in the high moisture areas indoors to assure that they won’t find places to hide in the first place.
Will Centipedes Attack People or Pets?
Centipedes, no matter how scary they may look, will not attack unless they feel threatened. In general, they prefer to be left alone in their hiding places, and will only venture out when they are hungry and looking for prey.
They are definitely more afraid of you than you are of them, and can be quite good to have around to keep other pests from accumulating, because they will definitely eat them when they find them.
It’s a good idea to keep your pets away from centipedes, as pets may go after them and get bitten.
What Other Bugs Do Centipedes Eat?
So, besides cockroaches, what other insects do centipedes find satisfying and nourishing? Well, centipedes also love feasting on bugs such as earwigs, small spiders, termites, and silverfish, as well as winged insects like moths and flies.
And this is why having the occasional house centipede or three hiding in the dark and damp crevices of your home isn’t a bad thing! Because as soon as they detect one of these creatures, they will definitely make a feast of them, and help you to keep your home pest free, naturally.
Final Thoughts
If you see a centipede darting quickly across your floor, or crawling up a wall, then it can be an alarming sight, especially considering how fast they move. However, when you spot one, they are on a mission to find food, because they generally hide otherwise.
And that food may be a cockroach hiding in your walls or under your appliances. If so, remember to say “thank you” to your centipede!
