Is centipede harmful to humans?

Is centipede harmful to humans? Centipedes can be harmful to humans to some degree, as they can bite and inject venom through forcipules, causing painful bite. House centipedes common in US have mild venom causing pain similar to bee sting, redness, swelling, and itching lasting hours to a day, not generally harmful to healthy adults, though allergic individuals may have stronger reaction. Larger tropical centipedes like Scolopendra can inflict more painful bite with intense pain, swelling, numbness, nausea, and may require medical care, especially for children or allergic. Centipedes do not transmit diseases, do not damage property, and are not aggressive, biting only when handled or threatened. They are beneficial predators eating other pests. So house centipedes are minimally harmful, mostly nuisance, while large tropical species can be more harmful with painful venomous bite but rarely life-threatening. Avoid handling with bare hands to prevent bite.