How To Get Rid Of Scorpions
Scorpion Pest Control Facts And Information
How To Identify & Control Scorpions
Scorpion Facts
Size: Size varies between species - they can be anywhere from ½ inch to over 8 inches in length - but most measure about 2 inches when fully grown.
Color: Generally, scorpions are tan in color but can vary widely as some species are yellow, blue, black or red.
Scorpion Appearance
Scorpions’ body structure is relatively consistent across different species - all scorpions have eight legs with two pinchers. They have a long slender body with a segmented tail that can be arched over the back, curving up over the body. The tail is tipped with a venomous stinger which is used to kill or paralyze its prey.
Fun Fact: Scorpions “glow” a bright neon green/yellow when seen under a black light.
Scorpion Habitat
Scorpions don’t like temperatures over 100°F, so it’s not uncommon to find them burrowed in the soil, sand, under rocks, or in shady spaces when outdoors. During the day scorpions hide under stones, in piles of rocks, in cracks, in wood piles, under boards, under bark, or in rubbish. Crawlspace foundations and those constructed of block or stone, provide excellent homes for scorpions.
Scorpions enter structures seeking water and shelter. In houses, they are most often found in undisturbed areas such as closets, seldom-used shoes, or folded clothing. During periods of hot weather, scorpions may move into to lower, cooler living areas to escape the high temperatures in attics. During the night, scorpions seek water and hunt. In the morning they’re often found in bathtubs and sinks, because they couldn’t climb out.
What do Scorpions Eat?
Scorpions feed mainly on small spiders and insects but also enjoy a variety of crickets, earthworms, centipedes, and other scorpions. Although they do have a well-developed sense of hearing, scorpions have poor eyesight. So they must rely on the sense of touch for navigation and detecting prey. Scorpions do not stalk or chase prey, but locate their prey by sensing vibrations and then wait to grab it with their pincers. Even though scorpions are equipped with venom for defense, scorpions fall prey to a variety of predators such as bats, centipedes, lizards, mice, owls, shrews, and tarantulas.
Scorpion Stings And Treatment
Most of the scorpions that enter homes are not poisonous; but if you are unsure it’s usually better to assume that they are poisonous. Of the estimated 1,400 species of scorpions, only about 20 to 25 can inflict potentially fatal stings. Scorpion stings are most serious in young children, older adults, and pets.
In the United States, scorpion stings are mostly harmless and the majority of healthy adults don't need treatment for scorpion stings. Their stings are painful - similar to bees or wasps. A person who has been stung may feel a painful, tingling, burning or numbing sensation at the sting site. The sting usually causes discomfort that ranges from moderate to severe depending upon the individual scorpion and the person’s reaction to the venom. An ice pack applied to the affected area will relieve some pain and the symptoms should decrease over time. A person who is stung by a scorpion should be watched closely for adverse allergic reactions.
In the United States, only one species (the bark scorpion), found mainly in the desert Southwest, has venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms. Scorpion stings can pose a medical threat especially to the young, elderly, and pets. Get immediate medical care for any child stung by a scorpion. If you are experiencing any of the following serious symptoms go to the Emergency Room immediately:
- Breathing difficulties
- Difficulty swallowing or talking
- Dizziness
- Drooling/Salivation
- Extreme or persistent pain
- Hyperactivity
- Muscle twitching or thrashing
- Numbness that spreads to entire extremity
- Paralysis of area or extremity
- Unusually high or low blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Weakness
