Scorpion stings can cause pain and swelling; some species are considered highly venomous and require immediate medical assistance. One of the most common scorpions in Texas is the striped bark scorpion. Unlike the Arizona bark scorpion, striped bark scorpions are not venomous. They are rarely considered a medical threat, although they can produce a painful sting that can cause numbness and irritation lasting several days. Thousands of people are stung walking barefoot or accidentally coming into contact with striped bark scorpions in their homes every year. It is one of the most common species found in the U.S.
Striped Bark Scorpion Identification
Striped bark Scorpions are easy to identify. They are yellow to light tan in color, with two distinct dark lines running down their backs, and range in size from approximately two to four inches. Their light coloring allows them to blend into their environment easily, providing them with natural camouflage. They also have four legs and a segmented tail with a large stinger at the very tip.
Dangers of a Striped Bark Scorpion Sting
Striped bark Scorpions are considered nuisance pests and rarely regarded as dangerous. A sting is similar to what you would expect from a bee sting, with irritation, redness, and swelling. That being said, if you are allergic to its sting, it is possible to have an adverse reaction, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. Striped bark scorpions are not naturally aggressive; they like to hide in quiet secluded places. Most encounters are happenstance when the scorpion is accidentally disturbed and feels threatened.
Tips to Prevent Striped Bark Scorpions from Entering Your Home
The good news is that as well as your A Five Star Termite & Pest Control professional pest control service, you can do a few things to prevent nuisance pests like striped bark scorpions from entering your home. Remove water sources such as pet drinking bowls and objects that can catch rainwater outside your home, regularly clean gutters, trim bushes, and scrubs, and address plumbing issues such as leaking hoses and spigots. Scorpions prefer to hide in dark, humid places. Remove objects such as tarps, stacked wood, and toys to prevent them from seeking refuge. Seal cracks and voids around windows and doors and repair broken or torn window screens. Install door sweeps on all exterior doors and inspect your ventilation to ensure all your vents are adequately caped. Striped bark scorpions are renowned for their climbing abilities and can quickly scale trees and bushes to access your home. Ensure you keep branches close to the exterior of your property pruned and keep flowers and shrubs planted at least one foot away from your foundation.
Scorpion Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you don’t have the time or energy to deal with scorpions and other nuisance pests, don’t despair. The experts at A-Tex Pest Management have you covered. Their knowledgeable technicians will provide a professional pest control service to effectively eliminate pests, like striped bark scorpions, from entering your home. To learn more about residential pest control inspections and pest control services for your San Antonio, TX home and to schedule an appointment, contact A-Tex Pest Management professionals today.
