Scorpions are predatory creatures that consume different types of food such as insects, spiders, mice, snakes, and even other scorpions. These scorpions are nocturnal and often live in warm and dry climates. In United States, they are mostly found in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.
Types of Scorpions
Bark scorpions
There are a couple of species of scorpions found in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. However, the bark scorpion or Centruroides exilicauda is the only specie that has a potentially deadly sting. These scorpions are smaller compared to most scorpions with just a length of a 1 to 2 inches. The bark scorpion’s tail curls to the side rather than upright like most of the other scorpions.
Bark scorpions are capable of climbing walls and walking across ceilings. Since scorpions are nocturnal insects, they are active at night time, especially when the temperature goes above 77 ?F. They are not very active during the very hot days of summer, and are dormant during winter.
The bark scorpion’s sting can cause extreme pain in the area of the sting. Swelling at the sting site, numbness, respiratory problems, and convulsions are just some of the symptoms a victim can experience. Once a person is sting by a bark scorpion and any of the following symptoms are occurring, it is best to consult with a doctor.
A person stung this scorpion should keep calm and relax. It is necessary not to take any alcohol or any product that induce sedation. Apply pressure and cold compress to the area of the sting. If you possible, catch the scorpion. This will help to properly identify the scorpion and provide the victim the proper antivenins to cure adverse reactions.
This scorpion likes to climb, and naturally attracted to cool, moist areas, which makes it an unwanted guest in the house. The centruroides exilicauda can be seen trapped in sinks and bathtubs or hiding in dark areas of the closet or storage room. They can also be seen climbing walls or on the ceiling. When outside, they can be seen in lumber or brick piles.
Striped Tail or Devil’s Scorpion
This scorpion is commonly found under rocks during daytime. It’s sturdy, medium-size length with a total body length of about 2 inches or 5 cm is the most common desert ground dweller.
Giant or Desert Hairy Scorpion
The giant or desert hairy scorpion is the least common desert scorpion, but is the largest scorpion in the United States. It is 6 inches long or 15 cm that allows them to feed readily on other scorpions and a variety of other prey including lizards.
Management of Scorpions
High number of scorpions found in and around homes can become a problem, especially if you have children at home. Pest-proofing is essential to make certain that your home is safe from them. The challenge with controlling scorpions, is that it is almost impossible to manage them with insecticides alone.
To manage scorpions you will need to:
- Search for their locations during the summer months between 8 to 11 pm.
- Get rid of all harborages such as garbage, boards, wood and other unnecessary objects near the home.
- Trim bushes and overhanging branches near the structure.
- Do not bring firewood inside unless it is going to be placed directly on the fire.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows that are loose-fitting
- Caulk around edges of roofs, pipes and other holes and cracks found in your home.
If you need help with an existing scorpion problem or if you want to know more about scorpion control, call us today!