Threatening a painful, venomous sting, certain scorpions can grow to more than 8 inches in length. However, these “giant” scorpions are outliers, and most experts will tell you that scorpions tend to get a bad reputation that many of them do not deserve. Still, scorpions can pose some threat to humans.

For the health and safety of you and your family, it is imperative that everyone know how to react in the presence of a scorpion.

Scorpion 101

How Do I Know If It’s A Scorpion?

First, you’ll want to how to identify an insect you see as a scorpion. Usually about 3 inches long, scorpions can be recognized by their unique long-tailed skeletal structure. The scorpion’s tail may give its identity away, but the end of its tail also serves as a stinger, which is used to take down its prey. While these insects all possess eight legs and two infamous pinchers, they come in a variety of colors, from brown to green.

Where are Scorpions Found?

Scorpions can be found on six continents and nearly all habitats. However, the majority of scorpions live in deserts. In the U.S., this means the Southwest.

Encountering a scorpion on your property can be distressing, but knowing where you may find one can help save you and your loved ones from pain and infection as the result of a sting.

Research has determined one of the most common hideouts for scorpions is shoes, as the typically look for warm areas. It is recommended you shake your shoes out before putting them back on. Other areas scorpions can be found in include, clutter, clothing piles, yard clipping and bushes.

What Else Should I Know

According to Medscape, of the 1,500 scorpion species, only 50 are potentially dangerous to humans. In fact, some people even view scorpions as beneficial since they prey on other insect and spiders. There is even evidence that some species eat mice.

How Do I Respond?

Although their sting is painful, scorpions are not known to sting unless they feel threatened. Therefore, if you see a scorpion in the wild, it is best to leave it alone. On the other hand, if you find one in your home, it is best to kill it and call an Albuquerque scorpion exterminator in case of an infestation.

To kill a scorpion, make sure you are wearing protective clothing then stab it with a sharp object. Do not simply crush it, as many scorpions have the ability to completely flatten themselves.