House centipedes can bite people, but bites are uncommon. They use modified front legs to inject venom, usually only when they are trapped, handled, or pressed against the skin.
A bite may cause sudden pain, redness, swelling, warmth, itching, or tingling around the area. In most cases, symptoms remain local and improve with simple supportive care. Smaller centipedes found inside homes are generally less likely to cause significant injury than larger tropical species.
Serious reactions are rare, but they can occur. Seek urgent medical care if you develop trouble breathing, widespread hives, dizziness, faintness, severe swelling, chest pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These signs may suggest a severe allergic reaction or another uncommon complication.
Avoid picking up house centipedes with bare hands. If one is indoors, remove it using a container or pest-control method that prevents direct contact. Keep the bite area clean and avoid cutting, squeezing, or applying unprescribed medicines. Contact a primary care doctor, urgent care clinic, or poison control service if pain is severe, symptoms spread, or the area does not improve.