House centipedes do have venom, but it is mainly used to capture tiny prey. Bites involving humans are very rare because the insects usually try to escape rather than defend themselves. When a bite does happen, it is typically described as mild and temporary, similar to a small sting rather than a serious medical threat.
What many people do not realize is that house centipedes can actually help control unwanted pests. They hunt cockroaches, spiders, ants, silverfish, termites, and other small insects that may already be hiding inside the home. In that sense, the frightening creature running across the wall may actually be reducing populations of pests you would rather not have around.
If you still do not want them indoors, reducing humidity, sealing cracks, and addressing other insect infestations can make your home less attractive to them. You can also trap and release individual centipedes instead of killing them. So the next time one suddenly appears, remember that its appearance may look like something from a nightmare, but it is usually a harmless hunter doing more good than harm.
