What are Scorpions?
One of the most feared pests that often find their way onto our Seguin properties is the scorpion. Scorpions are predatory arachnids that deliver paralyzing stings to their prey through a stinger located at the tip of their curved tail.
Other physical features of a scorpion include eight legs, two body segments, and pedipalps or claw-like structures that help them hold their prey. Scorpions are also known for their many eyes. They have two eyes on the top of the head and two to five pairs at the front corners of the head.
Though scorpions are exceptional predators and have many eyes, they have poor vision. They can really only “see” movement and can differentiate between light and dark. These hunters are more likely to wait for their prey to come to them.
Are scorpions dangerous?
Scorpions, depending on their species, have the potential to be dangerous. In our area, the scorpion that is the most cause for concern is the striped bark scorpion. Striped bark scorpions have a yellowish or tan body with two wide stripes on the top of the abdomen. They are a small species and have longer and more slender claws than other species.
The concern regarding striped bark scorpions is that they possess venom potent enough to trigger serious health problems if a sting were to occur. Though rare, it is important to note that a sting from a striped bark scorpion can be lethal for young kids, small pets, and the elderly.
Why do I have a scorpion problem?
Though scorpions prefer to live in a dry or desert-like environment, the fact remains that they require a regular water source. Their need for water is what often draws scorpions to our Texas properties.
Things like dripping hoses, leaking outdoor fixtures, piles of leaves, and low-lying areas that collect rainwater provide these critters with the moisture they are looking for.
Our Texas yards are often attractive to scorpions because they provide them with plenty of places to find prey. Our gardens, trees, flowerbeds, and the exterior of our homes offer insects and small animals places to live and forage for food.
Where will I find scorpions?
If striped bark scorpions are on your property, it is important to know that they are great climbers and, more often than not, live up off the ground. Outside, these scorpions hang out on woodpiles, behind tree bark, and on large rocks or rock walls. The exterior of our homes and other structures are other common places to discover these arachnids.
As scorpions move along the exterior of our homes, it is very common for them to wind up inside, invading through any gaps or other openings they come across. Our home’s warm, humid areas provide scorpions with a suitable place to hang out. Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and a crawl space often house scorpions.
How do I get rid of scorpions?
If you are discovering scorpions on your Seguin property, contacting a professional is the fastest and safest way to get rid of them. At Daniel Pest Control, our pest control professionals will provide you with customized scorpion control services that will meet your unique needs. We will work around your budget and schedule to ensure you receive the best home pest control services possible.
Contact us today to learn more about getting rid of scorpions from your Seguin property through our 100% guaranteed pest control services.
How can I prevent scorpions in the future?
The following tips and tricks will help you make your property less attractive to scorpions and decrease the chance of them finding their way into your house.
- Keep lids on trash cans and recycling bins to keep them from attracting the insects that scorpions like to eat.
- Install door sweeps on all exterior doors.
- Repair window and door screens with holes or tears.
- Get rid of fallen trees, woodpiles, and other decaying organic matter from your property.
- Reduce moisture content by repairing leaky faucets and pipes.
- Make sure your home is well-ventilated.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean so that they can direct water away from the perimeter of your home.
- Keep your yard and home free of clutter.