Scorpions are part of the arachnid family; they’re closely related to ticks, mites and spiders. These nocturnal animals are mostly found in the southwestern states, however, there are scorpion species living elsewhere. There are almost 1500 scorpion species around the world, but only twenty-five of those species are considered to be dangerous. 90 scorpion species live within the US, divided by region; the biggest home pests on the list are the California Baja and the striped back scorpions.
Most scorpions like a drier climate, with the exception of the southern unstriped species. They prefer to live outdoors, but will move into your home if the conditions outside are poor or there’s prey inside. Scorpions eat mainly small insects, spiders and members of their own kind; their average lifespan is 3-8 years, but some species can live for up to a quarter century.
Scorpions have flat bodies, making it easy for them to burrow into tiny cracks in your home, and to live under almost anything. They are usually found:
1. Under logs, rocks, and certain things inside the home
2. Around a home’s crumbling foundation
3. Inside crawl spaces, ceilings, under clutter or debris. Experts in Scorpion Control Gilbert know that they are climbers, and can be found anywhere in your home.
A scorpion’s sting varies widely in severity; it can be very minor or extremely painful depending on species and the victim’s sensitivity to scorpion venom. Although the stings are poisonous, most has little effect on humans (it’s best compared to a bee sting). In some individuals, allergic reaction is possible, making stings more dangerous. Scorpions aren’t aggressive by nature, but will sting if cornered.
Controlling scorpions with pesticides alone is difficult, and environmental changes are much easier to perform. If your home is infested, remove all trash and debris piles from around your home, and keep the grass closely cut. Trim bushes and hanging branches so they don’t touch your home, as this is an avenue of entry for scorpions and other pests.
Pest Control Gilbert professionals have a few pesticide options for scorpion control. Natural options include those containing oils of cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, peppermint, clove and pyrethrum; however, these have limited effect and degrade quickly. Some man-made insecticides are registered for the control of scorpions: deltamethrin, cypermethrin, and cyfluthrin are some examples. A pest control professional will always use the right dose for maximum control.
