As we pass through winter’s halfway point, one of nature’s toughest pests has begun stirring: Scorpions. In fact, due to the lower temperatures this time of year that are the total opposite of their preferred warm dry conditions, these scorpions will most likely find their way into homes for that dry environment.
Scorpions can be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate because they do an amazing job of tucking themselves away from detection. Although they are not aggressive hunters, their sting can be quite painful and in the case of one species found in the U.S. (Arizona Bark Scorpion), it can sometimes be fatal. Altogether, more than 30 species of scorpions are found in the southern and western United States, including two other scorpions common to Arizonans such as the striped scorpion and the desert hairy scorpion.
Because of the prevalence of multiple types of scorpions in SaddleBrooke and throughout Tucson, it is important to note that 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 ever experience any of the following serious symptoms, call Poison Control (800) 222-1222 or 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 or weakness.
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Because scorpions normally move about on the tips of their eight legs, with their bodies seldom touching the surface, they are among the most difficult of pests to control. As a result, many treatment methods are not as effective, since most common treatment methods depend on physical contact with the animal’s body. One effective way to eliminate them is to remove their food supply, but it can take time for that approach to work.
Scorpions feed on insects, so effective scorpion control is dependent on a more complete pest control program providing long lasting residual protection. Since they can survive for weeks without food, and will resort to cannibalism when there is no other source, one of the most effective ways to eliminate scorpions is to physically remove them, one by one, usually at night when they are active. Fortunately, their bodies glow under a black light, so they are relatively easy to spot in the dark.
By the time you see scorpions in the open, you probably already have a serious infestation. For that reason, homeowners should be alert to subtler signs of scorpions, which can include the sudden, unexplained disappearance of other insects or finding insect body parts piled neatly in remote corners.
Some things homeowners can do to help prevent scorpions include keeping their house clean, de-cluttering floors, keeping your home insect-free, eliminating hiding places like loose rocks, piles of leaves, trash and other unnecessary debris, consistently trimming tree branches away from a home’s exterior and sealing all points of entry such as outdoor cracks and weather stripping such as surrounding doors and garage doors.
Most of all, be advised that scorpions are sedentary and prefer the most humid available locations. Staying aware of areas conducive to a scorpion infestation is also important in preventing them from getting comfortable.
Such areas include:
- Under garbage cans
- Organic matter in and around gardens and plant pots
- Under and around rock beds
- Untrimmed palm trees, since the fronds collect moisture and other insects
- Old lumber or bricks
- Decaying debris such as leaves or bark
- Stored boxes
- Water meter/irrigation boxes
- Wall voids and conduits
- Insect infested areas such as attics
- Cracks in crevices in J-Trim and built up BBQ grills
If you have a scorpion infestation after following the above tips, a call to your local pest control professional may be in order as they will have the expertise and experience to safely remove these pests from your home.
Jeremy Christopherson is the Manager for Truly Nolen in SaddleBrooke. His service office can be reached at (520) 219-2494. Founded in 1938, Tucson-based Truly Nolen of America (trulynolen.com) is one of the largest family-owned pest control companies in the United States.
