When you spot an insect at home, your first instinct may be to squash it, and sometimes that’s justified—some insects can sting or carry toxins. Centipedes, in particular, are unsettling with their many legs, but before you crush the next one in your bathroom, consider their benefits.

Centipedes help control other pests, eating cockroaches, spiders, bedbugs, and ants. While they might give you a fright, they’re generally harmless and act as natural pest control.

However, not all insects are as helpful. Deadly insects like mosquitoes, fire ants, and Japanese hornets can cause serious harm or spread diseases, so it’s essential to be cautious around them.