Centipedes are found throughout Australia, and the rest of the world, and are common in urban gardens. Bites may be painful, especially those inflicted by the larger northern species. The venom is usually associated with only local effects, but systemic illness, and even death, have been reported, although no fatalities have been recorded in Australia. No specific first aid treatment is recommended beyond the application of ice water or packs for local symptom relief. |  Photo: D. Williams, AVRU |