Look, it defies logic and common sense, but you should never squish a centipede.
It’s difficult since few creepy crawlies are as terrifying as a squirmy, fast-moving centipede.
When confronted with all those segmented legs, even those of us who are resilient to the creep factor of spiders, ants, and roaches may feel the goosebumps.
You should resist the instinct even if you’re in the bathroom at 2 a.m. and one comes scuttling out of the drain.
The reason for this is simple: you should never squish a centipede because it could be the only thing between you and a bathroom teeming with other disgusting critters.
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Let us introduce you to the house centipede.
Unlike its larger, more wormlike brethren, the house centipede has a relatively small body with a perimeter of around 30 scuttling legs.
Yes, it appears to be a living artificial eyelash, and it is the stuff of nightmares.
But nevertheless, no matter how hard you want to, you should never, ever squish a centipede like this.
These critters, while frightening, are nature’s best protection against other, even nastier houseguests.
Consider this: the house centipede may be uncomfortable to look at, but it is also a ferocious feeder. Ants, spiders, bedbugs, cockroaches, and silverfish are among its favorite eats.
Every arthropod nuisance in your home is essentially a gourmet meal for a centipede.
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Silverfish, such as the one shown above, are highly relevant.
This is because centipedes and silverfish like similar environmental conditions, such as chilly and damp environments.
You can definitely credit your friendly local exterminator for keeping the problem down if you see a centipede but no silverfish crawling out of the drain.
Rather than squashing your centipede houseguest, scoop it into a jar and place it outside, near moist leaf mold and rocks, where it can continue to eat in peace.
To deter centipedes from moving in, try reducing moisture and humidity in places like your basement and bathroom.