Are There Centipedes in Alaska?
Yes, centipedes live in Alaska, primarily in southeastern regions where temperatures are milder. These are small, cold-adapted species that are entirely harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, and there is no medical risk from centipedes in the state. Understanding their presence brings reassurance rather than concern.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Strigamia bothriopus · Judy Gallagher CC BY-SA
Common Desert Centipede · Public domain CC0
Common Desert Centipede · Evrytte Carlson CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 674
- GBIF records
- May, June, July
- peak months
Yes, centipedes are in Alaska. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
221 verified observations on iNaturalist of centipede have been recorded in Alaska, most often in May, June, July.
When centipede are recorded in Alaska
Yes, centipedes live in Alaska, primarily in southeastern regions where temperatures are milder. These are small, cold-adapted species that are entirely harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, and there is no medical risk from centipedes in the state. Understanding their presence brings reassurance rather than concern.
Are they in Alaska?
Centipedes are established in Alaska, though they are much less common and less visible than in southern states. Most centipede populations in Alaska are concentrated in the milder southeastern regions, particularly in the Inside Passage and around areas like Ketchikan and Juneau where rainfall is high and forest cover is dense. They are adapted to Alaska's cool climate and are found in the state's temperate rainforests and surrounding woodlands. These Alaska centipedes are small species, typically much smaller than centipedes found in the lower 48 states. They do occasionally enter homes, especially in coastal areas, but they are far less frequently seen indoors than in warmer states. Northern and interior regions of Alaska have very few centipede populations due to harsh winters and limited suitable habitat. If you're exploringour wildlife guidesfor creatures found in Alaska, centipedes are present but remain inconspicuous throughout most of the year.
How dangerous is it?
Centipedes in Alaska pose virtually no medical danger to humans. The species found in the state are small and produce only minimal venom unsuitable for injuring anything larger than their tiny invertebrate prey. A centipede bite in Alaska is extraordinarily rare, and if it were to occur, the result would be negligible. Most centipedes avoid contact with humans entirely and will not bite unless roughly handled, and even then many species refuse to bite at all. There are no documented cases of serious medical problems resulting from Alaskan centipede bites. The species present in the state lack both the size and venom potency to cause concern. Even children and pets are perfectly safe from centipedes in Alaska. If someone were to encounter a centipede and somehow receive a bite, the sensation would be minor and comparable to a mosquito bite or small pinprick. There is no reason whatsoever to fear centipedes as a health threat in Alaska. For more on centipede in Alaska, see ourAlaska centipede guide.
How to recognize one
Alaskan centipedes are quite small, typically ranging from half an inch to perhaps two inches in length, depending on the species. They have long, segmented bodies with many pairs of short legs and are usually brown, tan, or grayish in color. Because of their small size, they are easily overlooked and often go unnoticed in homes or gardens. They move quickly on their numerous legs, and their speed sometimes startles people who encounter them. Centipedes in Alaska have a flattened body shape and two small venomous claws near their head, though these are virtually invisible without magnification on such small specimens. You are unlikely to spot one unless you are deliberately looking under logs, rocks, or leaf litter in moist forest areas. In homes, they may appear in damp basements or bathrooms at night. Learning to identify centipedes inwildlife in Alaskahelps you appreciate them for their role as predators that help control pest insects rather than fearing them.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If you were to be bitten by an Alaskan centipede, which is extremely unlikely, stay calm and know that the bite poses no serious medical threat. Remove any jewelry from the bitten area and elevate it gently if swelling occurs. Wash the area with cool water and mild soap. A cool compress may provide minor comfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help if discomfort develops, though this is usually unnecessary with Alaskan centipedes. Monitor the area for any signs of infection such as increased redness or warmth, and keep it clean. This is general information, not medical advice; if you are bitten, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 if symptoms are severe. Given the rarity of bites and their minor nature in Alaska, medical attention is almost never needed. The reassurance for Alaskan residents is that centipedes here pose no real health risk, and even if bitten, no treatment beyond basic first aid is required. You can also browseAlaska wildlife.
How to prevent encounters
Preventing centipede encounters in your Alaskan home is straightforward and relies on basic home maintenance. Keep your home dry by fixing any water leaks, as centipedes are attracted to moisture. Ensure basements and crawl spaces are well-ventilated and dry. Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors, paying special attention to basement entries. Remove potential hiding spots by storing items in sealed containers rather than piling them on basement floors. Vacuum regularly, including under furniture and in corners, to remove the small insects that centipedes feed on. When hiking or working in forests, there is no need for special precautions beyond normal wilderness safety practices. Centipedes are not attracted to people and will remain hidden if given the chance. Remove woodpiles, leaf litter, and thick mulch from immediately around your home's foundation if you wish to minimize any centipede presence. These simple steps reduce encounters while recognizing that centipedes in Alaska are not a significant concern.
Where in Alaska and when
In Alaska, centipedes are concentrated in the southeastern coastal regions with milder climates and higher rainfall. The Inside Passage, the Alexander Archipelago, and areas around Ketchikan, Juneau, and similar southeastern areas provide the most suitable habitat. These regions feature temperate rainforests with high humidity, dense moss and leaf litter, and moderate temperatures that support centipedes better than other parts of the state. Central and northern Alaska have very few centipedes due to extreme cold and limited suitable habitat. Centipedes in Alaska are most active during the warmer months, typically late spring through early fall, though they remain active year-round in protected microhabitats like forest floors and under logs. In homes, they may appear at any time, though fall is sometimes more common as cooler outdoor temperatures drive them indoors seeking shelter. You are most likely to find them in damp, dark places like basements and bathrooms during the warmer months.
Harmless lookalikes
Few creatures in Alaska closely resemble centipedes, but millipedes sometimes cause confusion. Millipedes, which are completely harmless, have two pairs of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one pair per segment. Millipedes move very slowly and curl into a tight spiral when threatened, whereas centipedes are fast and flat-bodied. Millipedes feed on decaying plant material and cause no harm. In Alaskan forests, you may encounter various small arthropods that might briefly seem similar to centipedes, such as small spiders or insects, but these have different body structures and numbers of legs. The key distinguishing feature of centipedes is their elongated, flattened body with many short legs and quick movements. Learning these differences brings reassurance that the small creatures you encounter are largely harmless. For more detailed information aboutmore on Centipede in Alaskaand other small Alaskan wildlife, consult our detailed wildlife guides. Most of what Alaskans encounter outdoors plays a beneficial role in the forest ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are centipedes deadly?** No. Centipedes in Alaska are tiny and produce no venom of consequence. No person has ever been harmed by an Alaskan centipede. **How common are centipede bites in Alaska?** Bites are essentially unknown in Alaska. Centipedes avoid humans and are far too small to pose any threat. **What attracts centipedes to a house?** Moisture, insects, and dark hiding places attract centipedes indoors, but their presence in Alaskan homes is rare. **What should I do if I see one?** Simply leave it alone or gently escort it outside. For additional questions about the creatures sharingwildlife in Alaskawith you, our comprehensive guides provide detailed information on hundreds of species. Centipedes actually benefit the environment by feeding on pest insects and contributing to nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. In Alaska, they are a natural part of the woodland habitat and deserve to be appreciated rather than feared.
Plan your trip
Best time to see centipede in Alaska: May, June, July
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your centipede sighting in Alaska
674 verified centipede records have been logged in Alaska, most recently in 2023. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Alaska
- Alagnak Wild River · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bering Land Bridge National Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Cape Krusenstern National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Denali National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Alaska?+
Centipedes are established in Alaska, though they are much less common and less visible than in southern states. Most centipede populations in Alaska are concentrated in the milder southeastern regions, particularly in the Inside Passage and around areas like Ketchikan and Juneau where rainfall is high and forest cover is dense. They are adapted to Alaska's cool climate and are found in the state's temperate rainforests and surrounding woodlands. These Alaska centipedes are small species, typically much smaller than centipedes found in the lower 48 states. They do occasionally enter homes, especially in coastal areas, but they are far less frequently seen indoors than in warmer states. Northern and interior regions of Alaska have very few centipede populations due to harsh winters and limited suitable habitat. If you're exploringour wildlife guidesfor creatures found in Alaska, centipedes are present but remain inconspicuous throughout most of the year.
How dangerous is it?+
Centipedes in Alaska pose virtually no medical danger to humans. The species found in the state are small and produce only minimal venom unsuitable for injuring anything larger than their tiny invertebrate prey. A centipede bite in Alaska is extraordinarily rare, and if it were to occur, the result would be negligible. Most centipedes avoid contact with humans entirely and will not bite unless roughly handled, and even then many species refuse to bite at all. There are no documented cases of serious medical problems resulting from Alaskan centipede bites. The species present in the state lack both the size and venom potency to cause concern. Even children and pets are perfectly safe from centipedes in Alaska. If someone were to encounter a centipede and somehow receive a bite, the sensation would be minor and comparable to a mosquito bite or small pinprick. There is no reason whatsoever to fear centipedes as a health threat in Alaska. For more on centipede in Alaska, see ourAlaska centipede guide.
More wildlife in Alaska