With temperatures warming up, many insects are beginning to move around again. Among those pests, scorpions give people cause for concern. Here are some facts and prevention tips about them.
Scorpions are nuisance pests that are closely related to spiders, mites and ticks. They’re actually arachnids, not insects. They are nocturnal pests, so they hide during the day and are most active at night. Many customers have claimed to get a sting or step on a scorpion when headed to the fridge for a midnight snack. Fun fact: there is a substance in the scorpion’s exoskeleton that makes them glow under ultraviolet light! They feed primarily on insects, especially crickets and cockroaches. However, they can survive for months without food if water is readily available.
Many species of scorpion dig burrows in the soil and hide under rocks, logs or debris. During periods of hot weather, scorpions may enter homes through wall voids and take shelter in cool, moist areas such as crawl spaces.
Scorpions sting as a defense mechanism or as a way to kill prey. Humans usually experience mild symptoms akin to a bee sting: temporary pain, a burning sensation or localized swelling. People that are allergic to spiders tend to have reactions to scorpion stings. Although all scorpions produce venom, the Arizona back scorpion is the only species that can cause serious medical illness and even death.
The key to preventing scorpions is to eliminate harborage sites around your property such as woodpiles, trash and other debris. When working in the yard, be sure to wear gloves to protect yourself from stings. Shake out shoes, towels (especially damp towels), and bedding before using them. Firewood should be stored at least twenty feet from the home and five inches up off the ground. Homeowners should remove stones and landscape timbers from the property.  It’s important to seal cracks and holes to prevent scorpions from entering the home. Check for light streaming in from under doors or garage doors and replace damaged weather stripping. And of course, call on the Bugyman Exterminators to treat your property on a regular basis.