What do you feel when you see an insect in your home? Most likely, you want to stomp on it, especially if it’s a centipede. However, you might reconsider, as centipedes help control pests like cockroaches and spiders. Instead of squashing them, consider letting them be or guiding them outside.

In contrast, be cautious of dangerous insects. Bullet ants deliver excruciating bites, while botfly larvae can burrow into your skin. Fleas irritate, and fire ants can sting repeatedly. Kissing bugs transmit deadly parasites, and giant Japanese hornets have lethal stings. Tsetse flies cause sleeping sickness, killer bees can swarm, driver ants attack in numbers, and mosquitoes are responsible for up to a million deaths annually due to diseases.

While centipedes are harmless, stay alert for these more dangerous insects.