Like their relatives the millipedes, centipedes are not insects at all, but arthropods. Centipedes are long, flat and brownish in color. They have one pair of thread-like legs on each segment and can run quickly.

Outdoors, centipedes live under stones or wood. Indoors, we often see them when one becomes trapped in a sink or bathtub. They prefer to live in damp parts of the house such as basements, closets or bathrooms and will also inhabit firewood stored indoors.

Centipedes feed mainly on insects and spiders and thus are beneficial - unless they decide to move indoors. Centipedes can bite, although they are considered harmless to people.

To control centipedes in the house, reduce moisture and hiding places inside and remove materials such as mulch and rocks close to the foundation. If necessary, a residual insecticide labeled for use against centipedes can prevent them from entering the home.