5 of the most common bugs with lots of legs

Updated on: 17 August 2026

Some bugs look scarier than they are. The ones with the most legs are a perfect example. Whether they're a genuine nuisance or mostly harmless, you don't want them taking over your home. Here are five of the most common multi-legged bugs you might encounter.

1. Millipedes

Often called "thousand-leggers," millipedes are the leggiest bugs on this list. They're more of a backyard curiosity than a real threat, but they can become a problem indoors if conditions are right.

• Number of legs: 30–90+ pairs (60–180+ legs); the record is 375 pairs
• Danger: Low. Not harmful to humans, but they do produce an acidic liquid from the sides of their bodies that can cause small blisters on the skin.
• Habits: Moisture-seekers; will feed on plants in a pinch. New leg pairs develop with each molt.
• Habitat: Outdoors in damp soil and leaf litter; rarely survives indoors unless conditions are very humid.

2. House centipedes

House centipedes look pretty horrible, but they're mostly harmless. They actually eat other pests. That said, spotting a lot of them usually means there's a bigger pest problem worth looking into.

• Number of legs: 15 pairs (30 legs total)
• Danger: Low. They can technically bite, but rarely do. Not considered dangerous to humans.
• Habits: Predatory; feeds on silverfish, carpet beetle larvae, cockroaches, and spiders
• Habitat: Warm indoor environments; rarely survive cold weather outside. Common in homes and businesses year-round.

3. Woodlice

Known by many names — pillbug, sowbug, roly-poly, slater — the woodlouse is actually a terrestrial crustacean, not an insect. They're basically harmless and can even benefit the soil around your home.

• Number of legs: 14
• Danger: Very low. Poses no real threat to humans.
• Habits: Foragers; help break down decomposing material and improve soil nutrients. Some species roll into a ball when threatened.
• Habitat: Dark, moist spaces (under logs, in leaf piles, or near decomposing organic matter).

4. Silverfish

Silverfish are fast, sneaky, and can be surprisingly destructive to your belongings. They're common in homes and can cause damage if left unchecked.

• Number of legs: Six, plus two long antennae and three bristled appendages at the rear.
• Danger: Low to humans, but a real risk to property. They'll chew through fabric, paper, starches, and even other silverfish.
• Habits: Fast movers; dart away at the first sign of disturbance. Prefer temperature-controlled environments.
• Habitat: They like to come indoors, particularly in areas with plenty of food sources like closets, kitchens, and storage spaces.

5. Spiders

They’re technically an arachnid, not a bug, but spiders earn their place on this list. Their unique movement and ability to walk on almost any surface make them one of the more fascinating (and terrifying) household visitors.

• Number of legs: Eight
• Danger: Varies by species. Most common house spiders pose little threat, though some species can bite, and others, like the black widow, can be deadly.
• Habits: Move using hydraulic pressure rather than muscles; walk on walls and ceilings using tiny hairs on their feet, alternating two pairs of legs at a time.
• Habitat: Found almost anywhere indoors and outdoors; prefer undisturbed areas like corners, basements, and garages.

No matter which pest you’re dealing with, Western Exterminator can help. Even if you’re not sure of which pest is causing the problem, one of our experts will inspect your property for free. Proper identification is instrumental in developing a treatment plan, so give yourself some peace of mind. Contact your local Western Exterminator office today.