Scorpions can be creepy but don’t let their tiny size fool you. The sting of a scorpion packs a powerful punch and these little terrors are found all over the state of Texas.
Scorpions Identification
Many people are surprised to learn that scorpions are arachnids. They are similar to spiders in that they have eight legs, but they also have a pair of scary-looking pincers in the front. They also have a tail that is curled over their back and full of venom. They are nocturnal and will spend the day hiding. They do this to avoid the heat and light of day and to conserve moisture. The Texas sun can cause these pesky critters to overheat. When the sun goes down, they will hunt for insects, other arachnids and will also hunt each other. The stinger in that tail is full of venom that has neurotoxins in it that can cause severe pain and can even be fatal in some cases. They will use their stinger to hunt and to defend themselves.
What Types of Scorpions are found in Greater Austin, Texas?
The world is full of approximately 1,500 different species of scorpions. Texas is home to 18 species and are located mostly in West Texas. It’s good to know that none of them are considered lethal. The striped bark scorpion is the species we deal with the most in Texas. This scorpion is yellow-tan in color and they have two darker stripes down their back. They can get as big as 2 ½ inches in length. They will live under rocks and debris, under wood piles and can be found in buildings.
The Sting of the Scorpion
Most people will only experience temporary pain when they are stung by a scorpion and getting medical care isn’t really needed. It has been described as the way it feels when you are stung by a bee or a wasp. You will feel pain for about 30 minutes that is sharp and burning. There may also be some swelling and discomfort for about a day around the area of the sting. Some people may have an allergic reaction to scorpion venom that can lead to anaphylactic shock. Call 911 immediately if symptoms include shortness of breath, severe abdominal cramps, nausea, seizures or if there is difficulty breathing.
What Attracts Scorpions & How to Prevent Them
Spending time outdoors in the evenings will increase the chances you may encounter scorpions and they are more common in rural neighborhoods over cities. if you are working in your yard it’s a good idea to wear gloves to avoid getting stung. Any area that hasn’t been disturbed for some time also needs to be approached with caution and keep your yard clutter free to give scorpions fewer places to hide. The best way to keep them out of your home is to seal off any entry points. Seal cracks and crevices with caulk and use weather stripping around doors. Make sure screens are free of rips or tears and seal up openings around AC drains and any pipes that come into your home. Scorpions are attracted by insects as they love to eat them; especially termites!
Scorpion Inspections, Control & More in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
If you’re dealing with scorpions, the best step you can take is to call in the professionals. We have the experience to keep scorpions out of your home and avoid their nasty stings. Call us today for an inspection and a treatment plan customized for your home.