While spiders are often feared, another kind of arachnid can cause big problems for property owners in Florida. Scorpions, which are more closely related to spiders than insects, can also be dangerous to encounter, and while they aren’t as common as spiders, people still fear them. Find out more about scorpions in Pensacola and how to prevent them in this guide.
Dangerous Scorpions In Pensacola
While there are other species of scorpions around, the most frequent and also most dangerous in the area is the striped bark scorpion. These pests are about two to three inches in length and have a long tail with a stinger at the end as well as two claw-like pincers. They are a yellowish-brown color and have dark stripes running down their backs.
Just How Dangerous Are Scorpions?
The sting of the striped bark scorpion is always extremely painful, and sometimes it can lead to serious health problems. Luckily, most scorpion stings aren’t going to send you to the hospital, but there is some risk.
If someone is allergic to scorpion venom, they can have adverse reactions. Fatalities are extremely rare, but they can happen in the case of severe allergies. And, since most people don’t know if they’re allergic until stung, it’s always best to avoid these scorpions.
Why Do Scorpions Get Into Homes?
While people often imagine scorpions living in deserts, the striped bark scorpion actually prefers a humid, damp, and dark habitat. They are usually found living outdoors where they get under mulch and deadwood or into wood and rock piles. But, while they typically live outside, they will come inside in search of a humid area if the outdoor climate becomes too dry. Alternatively, they sometimes get inside while hunting down their insect prey.
Once they are indoors, scorpions seek out areas like the basics of closets or in cluttered basements as they like to have many places to hide and need ample humidity.
Six Scorpion Prevention Tips
Finding a scorpion around your property can be scary, and no one wants to be stung. So, it’s a good idea to take steps to keep scorpions from getting onto your property in the first place. The best way to deter them is with professional pest control assistance, but you can also implement some measures on your own to make your property less appealing to scorpions.
Here is what you should do:
- Get rid of dead or water-damaged wood debris and store woodpiles in a dry, organized manner at least 30 feet away from your home.
- Make it more difficult for pests to get inside by repairing broken screens and sealing holes in the exterior using caulk or insulation products.
- Reduce moisture problems around the property by fixing leaky plumbing and ensuring that gutters are kept clean.
- Clean up clutter both inside and around the property.
- Prevent the prey scorpions hunt by covering all garbage cans with lids and cleaning up trash around the yard.
- Install door sweeps and weather stripping.
Get Help With Scorpion Control
The simplest way to remove scorpions and to keep them from coming around is with help from EnviroGuard. Our scorpion control experts have the experience and tools needed to eradicate these dangerous pests, and we also offer year-round prevention services. Just give us a call today to find out more or to book an inspection.