One of the most infamous of pests, the scorpion is one of the most difficult to eliminate. They spend most of their time tucked away in cracks or crevices and are even found in children’s sand boxes.

SCORPION FACTS

• Size: Varies between species from 1/2 inch to 8 inches; most measure 2 inches when fully grown.
• Color: Typically tan, but some species are yellow, black, blue or red.
• Geographical Location: Southern and western United States.

SCORPION STINGS

Most of the scorpions that enter homes are not poisonous; but if you are unsure, it's better to assume they are poisonous. Of the estimate 1,400 species of scorpions, only about 20 to 25 can inflect potentially fatal stings. In the US, only one species of scorpion (the bark scorpion) has venom potent enough to cause severe reactions. Scorpion stings are most serious in young children, older adults, and pets.

It's important to seek out immediate medical care if a child is stung or if you experience any serious medical symptoms, such as breathing difficulties and difficulty swallowing.

SCORPION APPEARANCE

Scorpions' body structure is relatively consistent across different species. All have eight legs and two pinches. They have a long slender body with a segmented tail that can be arched over their back, curving up over their body. The tail is tipped with a venomous stinger which is used to kill or paralyze its prey.

Fun Fact: Scorpions "glow" a bright green or yellow when seen under a black light. This makes them relatively easy to spot in the dark.

SCORPION HABITAT

Scorpions don't like temperatures over 100 F, so it's not uncommon to find them burrowed down in the soil, sand, under rocks, or in other shady, cool spaces. Scorpions typically entered structures seeking out water and shelter. In homes, they are most often found in undisturbed areas such as attics, closets, seldom-used shoes, or folded clothing. In the evening, scorpions venture out in search of food and water. As a result, they can sometimes be found in the morning in bathtubs and sinks that they were unable to escape.

SCORPION FOOD SOURCES

Scorpions mainly feed on small spiders and insects, but also enjoy a variety of crickets, earthworms, and other scorpions. While they have a well developed sense of hearing, they have poor eyesight and rely on sense of touch for navigation and hunting. Even though scorpions are equipped with venom for defense, they can fall prey to predators such as bats, centipedes, lizards, mice, owls, and tarantulas.

SCORPION CONTROL

Homeowners can minimize scorpion encounters though:

• Prevention - Thoroughly clean the inside of your home, carefully picking up all laundry and debris that may be cluttering your floor. Clean out rarely used spaced often, such as closets and garages.
• Eliminate Hiding Places - By controlling scorpions outside the home, you can also control them inside your home. Remove debris such as loose rocks, stacks of firewood, boards, piles of leaves, tree bark, trash, and other unnecessary things around the home.
• Trim & Prune - Keep your lawn mowed short and all shrubbery nicely pruned. Trim tree branches and bushes so they don't' reach the exterior of your home. Overhanging trees and overgrown bushes can give scorpions a direct path to your roof.
• Deny Access - Seal all entry points such as outdoor cracks on the home (e.g. siding, windows, doors, pipes, and wires) with caulk or another appropriate sealant. Check weather stripping around doors and make sure there are no gaps.

Our pest professionals have the expertise and experience to safely remove scorpions, and their food sources, from your home. Click here to learn more about our Four Seasons Pest Control Program and how Truly Nolen of Atlanta o can help rid your home of pesky scorpions.

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