There is a direct correlation between an increase in temperature and the number of scorpions navigating indoors. In an effort to escape the brutal heat of the desert, scorpions and other types of bugs find their way inside your home during the warmer months. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures who love the dark and make their way indoors to escape the heat, even during the night hours. Each year, approximately 6,000 individuals are stung by scorpions in Maricopa County. Scorpions can be found anywhere there is shade including under trash cans, in and under potted plants or on the walls in the home.
Why Scorpions Head Indoors
When it is hot and dry outside, scorpions seek cooler, more moist environments. They sense their surroundings using the hairs on the bottom of their bodies. When a scorpion encounters a crack in the wall of a home and can feel the cool air conditioning emanating from the seep in the wall, they move indoors. Scorpions have the ability to fit into small spaces that are no thicker than credit cards.
Why Scorpions are Dangerous
The majority of scorpion species’ are not dangerous to humans. However, there are several species that can be dangerous with the most venomous in the United States being the bark scorpion. This species is can be found in Arizona around the Southeast. Common symptoms caused by a scorpion sting include:
- Malaise, sweating, vomiting and nausea
- Muscle twitching
- Numbness
- Salivating
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulties breathing
- Pain, burning or tingling at the site of the sting
The more venomous species can cause the following symptoms:
- Convulsions
- Blurring of consciousness
- Drop in blood pressure
- Shock
- Unconsciousness
- Death
The most venomous scorpions have a much lighter and more delicate pedipalps (appendages on the front of the head) and a much larger and stronger tail. Also, smaller scorpions tend to pack a much stronger punch than the larger variants.
The majority of scorpions are simply a nuisance inside the home. However, their presence makes most homeowners uncomfortable and want to get rid of them immediately. Luckily, there are services that can eliminate scorpions from your home and implement preventative controls so they do not return.
If you have seen scorpions in and around your house call Preventive Pest Control – Phoenix to do it right and get rid of them today!