Are There Centipedes in Arkansas?
Yes, centipedes are found throughout Arkansas in forests, gardens, and homes. Most species are harmless, though larger centipedes can deliver a painful bite if provoked. Understanding where they hide and how to prevent encounters helps you coexist safely with these common arthropods.
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
- 528
- GBIF records
- May, March, April
- peak months
Yes, centipedes are in Arkansas. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
8 types of centipedes recorded in Arkansas
8 centipede species have a verified observation record in Arkansas, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
3 of the 8 shown are recorded as introduced to Arkansas rather than native.
- No openly licensed photo yet1
- No openly licensed photo yet2
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- No openly licensed photo yet7
Theatops spinicaudus
Theatops spinicaudus
43 records - No openly licensed photo yet8
Big-leg Centipede
Theatops posticus
18 records
Plus 8 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,349 verified observations on iNaturalist of centipede have been recorded in Arkansas, most often in May, March, April.
When centipede are recorded in Arkansas
Yes, centipedes are found throughout Arkansas in forests, gardens, and homes. Most species are harmless, though larger centipedes can deliver a painful bite if provoked. Understanding where they hide and how to prevent encounters helps you coexist safely with these common arthropods.
Are they in Arkansas?
Centipedes are well established throughout Arkansas in a wide range of habitats. You will find them in the state's extensive forests, including the Ozark National Forest, Ouachita National Forest, and throughout the state's mixed hardwood and pine forests. They are common in gardens, woodpiles, and leaf litter in both rural and urban areas. House centipedes, the most frequently encountered species indoors, are established statewide. Larger outdoor centipedes also inhabit Arkansas, particularly in the more forested and humid regions. The state's warm, humid climate and abundant moisture from rivers including the Arkansas River, White River, and Mississippi River provide ideal habitat for centipede populations. They thrive in creek bottoms, hollows, and low-lying areas with high moisture. While larger, more dangerous species like the Texas redleg are rare in Arkansas, some larger varieties capable of a significant bite do occur, particularly in southern regions. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes sharing your environment.
How dangerous is it?
Most centipede bites in Arkansas are minor injuries comparable to mosquito bites or wasp stings. The common house centipede and smaller outdoor centipedes possess only weak venom. A bite causes localized pain, minor swelling, and slight redness that typically resolves within 24 hours. Larger centipede species that occasionally occur in Arkansas can deliver more painful bites with greater swelling and localized inflammation. A bite from a large specimen might cause pain lasting several hours or even until the next day, but even these bites are not medically serious in healthy adults. No centipede species found in Arkansas produces venom dangerous to humans. Severe reactions are extremely rare and occur only with secondary infections or in individuals with compromised immune systems. Children might find a large centipede bite more uncomfortable due to their smaller body size, but the medical risk remains minimal. If you are uncertain about the severity of a bite or if symptoms worsen, medical evaluation is always appropriate. For more on centipede in Arkansas, see ourArkansas centipede guide.
How to recognize one
Centipedes in Arkansas vary in size depending on the species. The house centipede has 15 pairs of very long, thin legs and a body length of one to 1.5 inches. Larger outdoor centipedes may reach 4 to 6 inches or longer, with shorter, thicker legs and a flattened body. Colors range from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown and grayish. All centipedes have numerous legs and a segmented body. The first pair of legs is modified into venomous claws used for subduing prey. Centipedes move with surprising speed and are primarily nocturnal. You are most likely to encounter them on damp nights or in dark, moist locations like basements and bathrooms. Their distinctive silhouette and rapid, scurrying movement make them easy to identify once you know what to look for. In gardens, they hide under logs, rocks, mulch, and leaf litter. Learning to spot them inwildlife in Arkansashelps you identify them correctly and take appropriate action.
What to do if you are bitten or stung
If bitten by an Arkansas centipede, stay calm knowing that the bite poses no serious medical danger for most people. Remove any rings or bracelets from the bitten area and keep it elevated if swelling occurs. Wash the bite with cool water and mild soap to reduce infection risk. Apply a cool compress or soak the area in cool water if tolerated. Over-the-counter pain relievers and antihistamines can help reduce discomfort and swelling. Most bites resolve without any treatment beyond basic first aid. Monitor the area for signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or discharge. 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. Seek medical attention if you have concerns or if swelling and pain persist beyond 24 hours. Do not apply tourniquets, cut the wound, or attempt to suck out venom, as these measures cause unnecessary harm. You can also browseArkansas wildlife.
How to prevent encounters
Preventing centipede encounters in your Arkansas home involves reducing moisture and hiding places. Centipedes are attracted to damp environments, so keep basements and crawl spaces as dry as possible using a dehumidifier if necessary. Fix leaky pipes and ensure gutters direct water away from your home's foundation. Seal cracks and gaps in basement walls and around doors and windows. Remove woodpiles, stacked lumber, and bark mulch from close to your home's foundation. Clear leaf litter and dense ground cover from around your house. Keep storage areas organized and off the floor, reducing the dark, moist hiding spots centipedes prefer. When hiking or working in forests and gardens, wear closed-toe shoes and check your footwear before putting it on. Shake out blankets, sleeping bags, and clothing stored in damp areas. Use caulk to seal gaps in molding and around pipes where centipedes might enter. These practical steps significantly reduce the likelihood of centipedes in your home.
Where in Arkansas and when
Throughout Arkansas, centipedes are found in nearly all habitats with appropriate moisture and shelter. They are particularly common in the forested regions of the Ozark Mountains in the northwest and the Ouachita Mountains in the west-central part of the state. They thrive in creek bottoms and riparian zones along the Arkansas River, White River, Saint Francis River, and other waterways. In the flatter eastern and southeastern portions of the state, including areas near the Mississippi River, centipedes are also well established in lowland forests and swamp margins. Centipedes are most active from late spring through early fall when temperatures are warm and humidity is high. They remain active year-round in milder southern Arkansas and in heated buildings. Late evening through early morning are the times you are most likely to encounter them outdoors, as they are nocturnal hunters. Indoor sightings occur throughout the year, with fall and winter seeing increased movement into homes as outdoor temperatures drop.
Harmless lookalikes
Millipedes are the most commonly confused creatures, and fortunately they are completely harmless. Millipedes have two pairs of legs per body segment, while centipedes have one pair. Millipedes move slowly and defensively curl into a tight spiral when threatened. They feed on decaying plant material and cannot bite. Centipedes are fast-moving, flattened, and predatory, with only one pair of legs per segment. You may occasionally mistake an earwig, silverfish, or even a fast-moving cricket for a small centipede, but these creatures have different body structures and leg arrangements. Learning these differences brings reassurance that many of the small creatures in your home are completely harmless. The distinctive silhouette of a centipede with its many long legs is quite different from that of a millipede or any other common household creature. For more detailed information aboutmore on Centipede in Arkansas, consult our wildlife guides to build confidence in your identification skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Are centipedes deadly?** No. Centipedes found in Arkansas do not produce venom dangerous to humans. Bites are painful at worst and comparable to insect stings. **How common are centipede bites in Arkansas?** Bites are uncommon. Centipedes are shy creatures that bite only when handled or stepped on. **What attracts centipedes to a house?** Moisture, insects, and dark hiding places attract centipedes. Reducing moisture and sealing entry points helps prevent their presence. **What should I do if I see one?** Leave it alone and it will not harm you. You can gently escort it outside using a cup and paper, or simply let it continue on its way. For additional information aboutwildlife in Arkansasand the creatures you share your home with, explore our comprehensive state guides. Centipedes are actually beneficial, as they feed on cockroaches, crickets, silverfish, and other pests, making them allies in pest control.
Plan your trip
Best time to see centipede in Arkansas: May, March, April
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your centipede sighting in Arkansas
528 verified centipede records have been logged in Arkansas, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Arkansas
- Arkansas Post National Memorial · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Buffalo National River · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Hot Springs National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Pea Ridge National Military Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Butterfield Overland National Historic Trail · Find hotels
- Fort Smith National Historic Site · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
Are they in Arkansas?+
Centipedes are well established throughout Arkansas in a wide range of habitats. You will find them in the state's extensive forests, including the Ozark National Forest, Ouachita National Forest, and throughout the state's mixed hardwood and pine forests. They are common in gardens, woodpiles, and leaf litter in both rural and urban areas. House centipedes, the most frequently encountered species indoors, are established statewide. Larger outdoor centipedes also inhabit Arkansas, particularly in the more forested and humid regions. The state's warm, humid climate and abundant moisture from rivers including the Arkansas River, White River, and Mississippi River provide ideal habitat for centipede populations. They thrive in creek bottoms, hollows, and low-lying areas with high moisture. While larger, more dangerous species like the Texas redleg are rare in Arkansas, some larger varieties capable of a significant bite do occur, particularly in southern regions. Learning aboutour wildlife guideshelps you understand the centipedes sharing your environment.
How dangerous is it?+
Most centipede bites in Arkansas are minor injuries comparable to mosquito bites or wasp stings. The common house centipede and smaller outdoor centipedes possess only weak venom. A bite causes localized pain, minor swelling, and slight redness that typically resolves within 24 hours. Larger centipede species that occasionally occur in Arkansas can deliver more painful bites with greater swelling and localized inflammation. A bite from a large specimen might cause pain lasting several hours or even until the next day, but even these bites are not medically serious in healthy adults. No centipede species found in Arkansas produces venom dangerous to humans. Severe reactions are extremely rare and occur only with secondary infections or in individuals with compromised immune systems. Children might find a large centipede bite more uncomfortable due to their smaller body size, but the medical risk remains minimal. If you are uncertain about the severity of a bite or if symptoms worsen, medical evaluation is always appropriate. For more on centipede in Arkansas, see ourArkansas centipede guide.
More wildlife in Arkansas