The thought of a scorpion lurking in the night is unnerving for many people. Not only do they look creepy, their sting can be a painful experience. There are many types of scorpions found in Texas, but the most common species is Centruroides vittatus or the striped bark scorpion. Fortunately, none of the species found in Texas have a lethal sting, even though their sting can be quite painful. A-Tex Pest Management is here to help you identify, avoid and prevent an encounter with the striped bark scorpion.
Identifying the Striped Bark Scorpion
The striped bark scorpion is light brown or tan to dark brown in color with two dark stripes down its back. It has lobster-like pincers on the front of its body, and a long curled tail with a stinger attached to the end. Since scorpions are arachnids like ticks or spiders, they have eight legs. The striped bark scorpion and other scorpion species, fluoresce under an ultraviolet light. If you are worried you may have a scorpion problem, this can work to your advantage. Shining an ultraviolet light at night can help you identify whether or not you have a scorpion infestation.
Striped Bark Scorpion Habitat
As a general rule, scorpions hide during the day, making them nocturnal. You may not even realize they are a problem in or around your property for this reason. They are great at finding places to hide. They are called a “bark scorpion” because they are attracted to dead foliage, logs and other dead vegetation.
How to Avoid the Striped Bark Scorpion
The best way to avoid the striped bark scorpion in or around your home and property, is to make it a less desirable place for the scorpion to live. Keep the vegetation trimmed and clean in your landscaping. Keep your property clear of leaf litter. Removing unnecessary logs and timber from your property limits places for them to hide as well. If you have any cracks around your foundation it is wise to have them repaired as well as any other entry points around your home. This could include broken screens, cracks around plumbing and gaps around your doors. Making sure these are all caulked or repaired, limits the scorpion’s ability to enter your home.
How to Take Care of a Scorpion Sting
Even though scorpions are nocturnal, you may accidentally disturb them. This is usually when they sting. When a scorpion stings, they release a poisonous venom. Though the sting of the striped bark scorpion is painful, it isn’t lethal. Everyone reacts differently to a scorpion sting, much like bee stings. Some may have more severe reactions due to an allergic reaction. Upon getting stung by a scorpion, apply ice and monitor the sting for any allergic reactions. If you are ever feeling a shortness of breath, you should seek medical attention promptly. Most people experience sharp, stinging pain for about 30 minutes followed by mild discomfort for a day or two.
Venomous Scorpion Arachnid Pest Inspections, Prevention, Control, Management, Treatment & Removal in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Scorpions have a thick exoskeleton that make regular insecticides ineffective in treating a scorpion problem. If you find you have an infestation of scorpions contact A-Tex Pest Management and our skilled technicians can use the proper means of extermination to rid you of this problem.