You see something streak across the floor and instinct hits before thought. The movement is so fast and the shape so strange that it instantly feels threatening. A house centipede often triggers that reaction, even though it is far less dangerous than it appears and usually avoids humans completely in homes.
These insects prefer dark, damp environments like bathrooms, basements, and corners where other small pests gather. They are not invading for food scraps or human contact, but instead following moisture and the insects they hunt. Most of their life is spent hidden, emerging mainly at night when activity is quiet.
Although they have venom, it is adapted for tiny prey such as insects and is not a real threat to humans. Bites are extremely rare because they try to escape rather than defend themselves. When bites do occur, they are typically mild, similar to a small sting and fade quickly.
