What is this creature? Is it some kind of "insect?"
It is a pseudoscorpion, which literally means "false scorpion." Pseudoscorpions are a type of arachnid and are related to spiders, ticks, scorpions, and mites. They are NOT true insects, but are insect relatives. Whereas insects have 6 legs and three main body parts, pseudoscorpions have 8 legs and two main body parts. Although very common outdoors, pseudoscorpions are only occasionally found indoors and then usually only a few at a time. They prefer to live in moist, sheltered locations like small crevices and similar tight spaces.
What does it eat?
Pseudoscorpions are predators that eat a variety of small insects and arthropods, including beetles, flies, ants, and mites. They grab prey with their pincers (called pedipalps) that have poison glands to help them paralyze their prey.
Is it harmful?
No, pseudoscorpions do not harm people or damage anything. In fact, they are actually beneficial because they eat many types of small insects and arthropods.
What can I do to get rid of them?
Since pseudoscorpions are so seldom encountered indoors, you should try to either ignore them or remove them by hand. However, if you do have unusually high numbers of them, the best way to control them is by drying out damp areas with fans or humidifiers. Doing this will make the environment less suitable for them and the prey they depend on for survival. Again, because pseudoscorpions are uncommon indoors and do not harm people, insecticides are not necessary or suggested.
