Now, you might be thinking, “But mine was long—like, two inches!” That’s rare. The common house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) maxes out at about two inches, body and legs. More often, you’re seeing a juvenile whose legs are just starting to get that freaky, spindly look. The “long” part is mostly optical illusion fueled by adrenaline.
Identifying and Eradicating Long, Slender Insects
Another common culprit for “long small bug” sightings is the millipede. Millipedes are rounder, slower, and look like little brown or black worms with a thousand tiny legs. Unlike centipedes, millipedes are vegetarians. They eat decaying leaves and damp wood. If you see one, you’ve got moisture issues—a leaky pipe or a damp basement. They’re not dangerous, but they signal a moldy welcome mat.
What to Do (Besides Screaming)
First, don’t squish them. House centipedes can emit a faint, unpleasant smell when crushed, and some species can pinch slightly (though it’s harmless to humans). Instead, try the “cup and postcard” method. Trap it, look at its ridiculous legs, and then release it outside, far from your foundation. (I usually whisper, “Go be useful somewhere else, you magnificent freak.”)
Second, dry out your space. Both centipedes and millipedes need high humidity to survive. Run a dehumidifier in your basement or bathroom. Fix that dripping faucet. If you remove the moisture, you remove the buffet for their food, and they’ll move on. A dry house is a centipede-free house.
20 Long Black Bugs in House (Pictures and Identification)
