
Carle Jasmin
Image: AI ©Gay Globe / Photo: Thespruce.com
In Quebec, a house centipede is an insect belonging to the class Chilopoda, often found inside homes. These carnivorous creatures primarily feed on other insects. They are characterized by their numerous legs and segmented bodies. Although they are generally harmless to humans and do not cause significant material damage, their presence can be undesirable in large numbers.
Centipedes are beneficial because they feed on other harmful insects such as spiders and flies, thereby helping to control insect populations inside homes. They can be found in various regions but are common in areas where environmental conditions are favorable to them. This typically includes regions with a temperate to humid climate, where humidity and the presence of prey are higher. Centipedes prefer dark and damp environments such as basements, cellars, attics, and areas under foundations, where they find refuge to hunt their prey. House centipedes reproduce through « sexual reproduction. » Adults usually mate in the spring or summer. The male transfers his sperm to the female using special structures called gonopods, located near his rear legs. Once fertilized, the female will lay her eggs in a humid place, often in soil cracks, under rocks, or in other areas where conditions are favorable for the survival of the eggs.
The eggs hatch after a period of a few weeks to a few months. The young centipedes, called larvae, begin to feed on small insects and other available prey nearby. They will undergo several molts during their development, passing through multiple larval stages before reaching adult maturity. This mode of reproduction allows centipedes to maintain their population in indoor habitats throughout the year, using available resources and adapting their reproductive cycle to local conditions.
In general, house centipedes live between one and three years. Mature individuals are often more vulnerable to predators and unfavorable environmental conditions. Lifespan can also be influenced by the availability of food and shelter in their habitat. Some centipedes may live longer in ideal conditions where they have access to abundant food and a stable environment.
A house centipede usually becomes a problem when it begins to proliferate in large numbers inside the home. Their excessive presence can cause discomfort and anxiety, and in some cases, they may bite humans, although this is rare. Management becomes necessary when their population becomes uncontrollable, which may indicate conditions conducive to other infestation problems.