Scorpion Identification Guide
What are scorpions?
Scorpions have a segmented body and a long segmented tail that curves up over its body. At the end of its tail is a venom-filled stinger. Scorpions also possess large claws which they use to catch their prey. Their prey is then paralyzed and subdued after being stung by the scorpion’s tail.
Despite having poor vision, scorpions are fierce predators and exceptional hunters. Another interesting fact about scorpions is they give birth to live young. After being born, the young climb onto the mother’s back until the first molt. Scorpions can survive for long periods without food by slowing down their metabolism, but they require a constant water source.
Are scorpions dangerous?
Scorpions are dangerous. While their stings are typically not life-threatening to healthy individuals, they certainly are painful. A scorpion sting can pose bigger problems in small children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system. A reaction from a scorpion sting ranges from mild (localized swelling) to severe (anaphylaxis). Avoiding contact with scorpions is important to your health and safety.
Why do I have a scorpion problem?
As predators, scorpions are on the constant search for prey. Scorpions prefer to live in areas with a lot of insect activity. Our yards often provide scorpions with fertile hunting grounds. Most yards have gardens, trees, shrubbery, trash containers, and compost, which provide areas of shelter and food for insects. The more insect activity you have, the more likely there will be scorpions and other predatory pests like spiders to hunt them.
Where will I find scorpions?
Active mainly at night, scorpions hide during the day in sheltered areas that retain moisture. Spaces under rocks and logs, behind tree bark, and under mulch in garden areas are some of their favorite hangouts. If scorpions have moved inside while following their prey or to escape unsuitable weather conditions, they typically move to dark, quiet areas near moisture. Areas under sinks, within hanging clothes or folded towels, or in damp tubs or sinks are all places people may run into scorpions. Scorpions are also good climbers and are often found resting on both interior and exterior walls of a home or outbuilding.
Scorpion Identification & Prevention
What are scorpions?
Scorpions are predatory creatures that belong to the class Arachnida. They have four pairs of legs that end in claws. They also have a pair of large pincers and strong jaws that they use to hunt and hold onto their prey. Their long, segmented tails end with a stinger they use to defend themselves and capture their prey. Scorpions have poor eyesight, and rely on touch and vibrations to navigate.
The most common species of scorpion living throughout is the lesser brown scorpion. The lesser brown scorpion lives a long life, with most living between three and five years.
Are scorpions dangerous?
Scorpions have the potential to be very dangerous to people. Some species have very strong venom that causes serious and life-threatening health risks in people. The good news is the lesser brown scorpion’s venom is not very potent and does not pose a significant health risk to people. However, you should always be careful to avoid lesser brown scorpions as their stings are painful and swelling will develop around the puncture site.
Why do I have a scorpion problem?
The lesser brown scorpion thrives in the warm, tropical climate that Hawaii provides. Any outdoor space has the potential to become a home to scorpions as long as there is plenty of shelter and food. Scorpions feed on a wide variety of creatures, including insects, spiders, other scorpions, and mice. While scorpions mainly live outdoors, they do often find their way into homes, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings while hunting.
Where will I find scorpions?
Outside, lesser brown scorpions live and hide in a variety of places. During the day, these nocturnal creatures hide under boards, trash, rocks, fallen trees, and mulch. They also seek shelter under houses. Scorpions will move into homes and other structures through openings they find in the foundation or exterior walls while hunting, or to escape the heat. They also get in through open doors and windows. Indoors, they hide in crawl spaces, behind walls, in attics, and under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms.
Venomous Pests
What are venomous pests?
Venomous creatures inject their venom into their victims by biting (spiders) or stinging (scorpions). Some of the most common venomous creatures to pose health risks to people are brown recluse spiders, black widow spiders, and bark scorpions.
Bark Scorpions
Bark scorpions are light brown to brownish-yellow in color, with dark, lengthwise bands. Their slender tails are yellow to light brown in color. They also have elongated, thin pinchers.
Black widow spiders
Easily identifiable by an orangish-red “hourglass” marking on the underside of their abdomen, these spiders also have light red or white markings on their abdomen and backs. They also have round bodies that are shiny black in color.
Brown recluse spiders
These spiders have a “violin-like” pattern found on the top of their bodies, and they have 3 pairs of eyes that are distinctly arranged in a semi-circle.
Are venomous pests dangerous?
Venomous pests are dangerous. Not all venomous pests have venom that is strong enough to cause health concerns for people, but many do, including brown recluse and black widow spiders, and bark scorpions. The venom from black widow spiders affects a person’s nervous system. The severity of symptoms depends on the location of the bite and how much venom is injected. A brown recluse’s venom causes the tissue around the bite to ulcerate.
Why do I have a venomous pest problem?
If you are experiencing a spider or scorpion problem in or around your home, it is because its environment is providing them with comfortable living conditions. Spiders are attracted to properties that offer them plentiful places to live and forage for food. Gardens, wood piles, heavy vegetation, and large populations of insects and other prey can attract venomous pests to properties. Bark scorpions are attracted to trees, walls, and objects with rough surfaces. Once on your property, it is usually only a matter of time until these venomous pests find their way inside while searching for food.
Where are venomous pests commonly found?
Outside, spiders are found living and creating their webs or burrows in gardens, shrubs, bushes, overgrown vegetation, tall grasses, between rocks and stones, and in woodpiles. These environments provide them with safe shelter and plenty of access to food. Spiders and scorpions often find their way inside homes, garages, sheds, and other buildings accidentally while out foraging for food. They may also intentionally enter homes and other buildings to seek a more hospitable habitat. Inside, spiders and scorpions prefer to hide out in dark, quiet places like in the corners of closets, in basements, in boxes, in clothing and shoes, under bedding and furniture, in attics, behind wall voids, in crawl spaces, and underneath sinks. Scorpions can also be found in bathtubs and scaling the walls of dark spaces.
Bark Scorpion
Description:
Generally between ¼” – 3” and light tan in color, this is the most common scorpion in southern. The venom in this scorpion contains a potent neurotoxin. It has two slender claws and a tiny black dot above its stinger.
Behavior:
The bark scorpion is an excellent climber. This scorpion is commonly encountered running up walls or on ceilings in structures. Some favorite resting areas for this scorpion is under tree bark or palm fronds. The bark scorpion is nocturnal and is active in year round. It will feed on many different soft bodied insects and arachnids including other scorpions. Female scorpions give birth to live scorpions that stay on her back for a short period of time
Control:
A thorough inspection and integrated approach is required for scorpion control. Scorpions are hardy creatures and pesticide applications only are not likely to eliminate their presence in or around a structure. Sanitation is a key element in reducing the likelihood of a problem. Some examples include cleaning up piles of leaves, wood, or other cellulose debris around the foundation of the home
Palm trees should be trimmed regularly and skinned. Any trees touching the structure must be cut back. Exclusion is also very important. Cracks, crevices, gaps, and voids must be sealed off with caulking and fine screening. Doors need to be tight fitting and vents screened. The final step is food source reduction, minimizing the amount of general pest insects around the property that scorpions prey on. When these steps are taken, scorpions are less likely to infest a home or business.
How Do Scorpions Get in the House?
When it comes to pests, scorpions rank high on the list of those to avoid. And although a scorpion’s sting is rarely fatal, it can cause a wide range of reactions. Scorpion control is one of the many services offered
Common Reasons Scorpions Invade Homes
Like most of the critters that prompt homeowners to call for professional pest control, scorpions tend to invade homes in search of food. The best way to prevent them from coming inside is to seal off points of entry. Sometimes, though, these pests hitch a ride in boxes, plants, and other items we bring into our houses. Check all items before bringing them indoors to avoid unpleasant surprises
Popular Points of Entry
Preventing entry in the first place is the best form of scorpion control. The following locations around your home are common ways that scorpions can gain indoor access:
Vents
Wall voids
Gaps under doors
Torn screens
Spaces around windows
Openings around plumbing
Inspect your home for possible scorpion entryways. Replace damaged weather strips, and fill in gaps, cracks, and holes with caulking. Place wire mesh over vents. In addition to providing preventive scorpion control
Other Types of Scorpion Control
There are many other precautions you can take to keep scorpions at bay. Keep your grass short, and avoid having plants or bushes within a couple of feet of your home. Eliminate or move firewood piles, rocks, tree limbs, and other debris or clutter that act as shelter for scorpions. Don’t forget to check your garage, shed, and any other outbuildings that could be harboring scorpion fugitives