The Threat of Scorpions

For many people living in the southern and southwestern parts of the United States, scorpions present a serious pest problem. Contrary to popular belief, scorpions do not only live in desert regions, but can be found anywhere where there is a sufficient water source and place for shelter. All too often this means people’s properties and homes. Scorpions are capable of entering homes through cracks as thin as a credit card and frequently find shelter in cardboard boxes or clutter left on the floor. Outside of the home, scorpions generally live in cool, dry locations such as woodpiles, stumps, trash heaps or even under rocks and clumps of lawn clippings. One of the best ways to prevent scorpion infestations is to remove these sources of shelter and ensure that your home is properly sealed. Patch holes in window and door screens and check to make sure that all doors and windows seal tightly.

Are All Scorpions Dangerous?

While only a few scorpions like the Arizona Bark Scorpion present a major lethal threat, any scorpion sting can still be uncomfortable and painful. The majority of scorpion stings are similar to bee or wasp stings but can still cause great harm to the very young, the elderly and those with weak immune systems or strong allergic reactions. All scorpions can be identified by their pair of pincers and elongated tail ending in a venomous barbed segment. Scorpions use this venomous sting to paralyze prey or to protect themselves from predators. Most scorpions found in the U.S. are only a couple inches in length and are not considered lethal. Scorpion species can be mainly identified by their coloration and size. Arizona Bark Scorpions, for example, are light yellow-brown in color with a tail that’s only sixteenth of an inch wide.

The Sting of a Scorpion

Sometimes scorpion stings are unavoidable. Reactions from a sting can range from a simple burning or itchy feeling around the sting site to bodily convulsions or loss of consciousness. In case of a scorpion sting, the best thing to do is to immediately clean the sting area and apply an ice pack for at least ten minutes to help reduce pain and swelling. Afterwards, call the poison control center for further help and medical information.

Having scorpion problems inside the house can be very dangerous. Read on scorpion control for more facts on how to handle these kinds of pests.