House centipede vs silverfish: how to tell them apart

House centipedes may bite when handled, but the bite is usually mild and causes only localized pain and swelling.

Source: Wikipedia, arthropod.uark.edu

Silverfish can damage household items such as wallpaper and tapestries.

Source: Wikipedia

The body is yellowish-gray with three dark stripes along the back, and the legs also have dark stripes. Its hind legs look like antennae, a form of automimicry.

Source: Wikipedia, arthropod.uark.edu

The abdomen narrows to a point, giving the bug a shape that resembles a tiny fish. Young ones start out white and turn a greyish, metallic shade as they mature.

Source: Wikipedia

An adult is typically 25 to 35 mm (about 1 to 1.4 in) long, though larger ones occur.

Source: Wikipedia, arthropod.uark.edu

Adults are typically 7 to 10 mm (about 0.3 to 0.4 in) long and are active at night.

Source: Wikipedia

Bites are rare and happen mainly when the centipede is cornered or handled aggressively. Their small forcipules often cannot pierce human skin, and when they do the sting feels like a mild bee sting with localized pain and swelling. They may bite in self-defense, but the bite is not severe. Severe swelling and pain are possible, though most bites are no worse than a bee sting.

Source: Wikipedia, arthropod.uark.edu

Silverfish do not spread disease to people.

Source: Wikipedia

They are not aggressive and usually flee when disturbed.

Source: Wikipedia

Because they eat adhesives and fabrics, they can damage wallpaper, tapestries and other household items.

Source: Wikipedia

Outdoors they prefer cool, damp sites such as under rocks, woodpiles, bark, leaf litter or compost.

Source: Wikipedia

They need high humidity, usually between 75 % and 95 %, and are found in damp places such as basements, attics, bathrooms, kitchens and even libraries.

Source: Wikipedia