Centipedes (Chilopoda) are predators. They hide during the day in the soil, under rocks and similar dark, damp places. At night they go hunting for small animals, which they kill with the powerful venom claws on their front segment. The venom is very effective against the centipedes’ natural prey (insects, etc.), but none of the Danish species can trouble people. They might frighten people and maybe bite, but the venom claws cannot penetrate the skin. The house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata are located in the Mediterranean countries, where it is often found indoors.
Unlike the Danish species, these can bite through the skin of thin-skinned areas. The bite can be felt and there may be swelling, but it is by no means dangerous. House centipedes are occasionally carried to the cool climates of the north and have been found in Denmark a few times.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)