Hawaii Doesn’t Have Snakes……..But It Does Have Hawaii Centipedes!

Oct 8, 2024 | General Information

Updated October of 2024. Nothing will bring shivers down your spine faster than the site of an 8-inch Hawaii centipede (in Hawaii, they can actually reach a foot in length!) When you see one, it is always startling as they are seemingly there for a moment, and then they are gone. Their sting is a powerful one, as can be attested to by anyone who has had the unfortunate experience of having been stung.

Typically, the Hawaii centipede will be found outdoors in areas that are dark, moist, and warm, like under rocks or in heavy undergrowth, but truly, they can be found anywhere. My first experience with a centipede bite was on the second day I moved to Hawaii decades ago when I was sitting on the grassy area affronting Lahaina Harbor and found myself evidently competing for the same piece of ground as this disagreeable serpent. Quite often, they can be seen more effectively as they cross a sidewalk or an open space, but they can also be found indoors.

Hawaii Centipedes Will Attack!

Being avid and deadly hunters, they are often in search of prey, which includes spiders, wasps, ants, cockroaches, and other forms of insects, including other centipedes. Still, they are fearless enough to attack even small animals like mice and rats and, in fact, any animal that is shorter than their extended length. They are carnivorous and are not afraid to attack because their potent venom will often disarm an adversary in short order.

Attacking humans is likely more of a defensive maneuver when they feel threatened, and although there can be complications for some people, the typical bite will usually run its course and disappear within a couple of days. The ‘running its course’ part will usually include a period of intense, fiery pain, which will last for some minutes and then turn into a generalized swelling of the infected area. Ice is usually the best remedy, and perhaps some over-the-counter pain reliever.

What To Do When You Encounter Hawaii Centipedes

When you encounter them in your living space, it is a good idea not to take your eye off them, even for a moment, as you use your peripheral vision to implement a plan to dispatch the frightful insect. Tongs can be helpful if they are within reach, as it could be a heavy object like a book. Still, it is essential to make sure you do not lose visual contact with it in your search for a weapon to use against it, or it will disappear, and you will be sure to lose a night or two of sleep knowing that it is somewhere within your realm.

Hawaii Centipede
Hawaii Centipede

While there are no native land snakes in Hawaii, there have been some that have been found over the years! This is most likely by accident when brought in on boats or planes. It is illegal to own pet snakes, and violators can face jail time and fines of up to $200,000!

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