Finding scorpions on your property is an alarming experience. These venomous creatures rarely sting unless provoked, but you still don't want them on your property. Removing attractors from your home is a great step towards preventing an infestation, but unfortunately, it doesn't always help.
Knowing more about scorpions and their habits helps homeowners keep them away. Read on to learn more facts about scorpions and why EnviroGuard is a go-to provider of pest control in Corpus Christi.
Types Of Scorpions
There are roughly 70 different types of scorpions found in the United States. Here are a few of the species of scorpions in Texas and how you can identify them:
- Striped Bark Scorpion: This scorpion is around three inches in length and inhabits grasslands, deserts, and pine forests. They have long, tan bodies with two long stripes down their backs. The striped bark scorpion is the most common species found in Texas.
- Texas Cave Scorpion: As their name implies, the Texas cave scorpion prefers to live in caves but is also frequently found under logs and rock piles. These scorpions are between two and a half to four inches in length. Their body color ranges from reddish-brown to black, and they have tan legs.
- Florida Bark Scorpion: Homeowners can commonly find these four-inch scorpions under tree bark and piles of debris and garbage. Their bodies are reddish-brown to dark brown with yellow legs. Their tails are dark brown to black.
Spotting any of these insects on your property could indicate an infestation. To avoid a potential sting, contact an exterminator experienced in scorpion removal, like EnviroGuard.
Don't Accidentally Attract Scorpions
Although scorpions can survive without food for months at a time, they need regular access to water to stay alive. Leaky pipes or standing water sources around your property are attractive to these pests. They also prefer high moisture areas like the attic and basement. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp rooms throughout the house. Make sure to fix all leaks as well.
One way to pest-proof your home is to close off all access points. Seal any cracks or holes in your foundation and walls to prevent scorpions from sneaking in. Some species squeeze into spaces as thin as a credit card, so be diligent. Scorpions feed on other insects like beetles, roaches, and spiders. If you have any of these invaders in your home already, you could also be extending an invitation to scorpions.
Six Facts About Scorpions You Probably Didn't Know
Although many scorpions are venomous, most of their stings don't result in a trip to the emergency room. Contrary to popular culture, these insects are not aggressive unless they're provoked or believe they're in danger. Here are six other scorpion facts that you might not know:
- Scorpions are part of the arachnid family, which includes spiders, ticks, and mites.
- The courtship ritual of scorpions involves a "dance" between the male and the female. When there's a potential mating interest, two scorpions will face each other and bump their tails, which is also known as "clubbing." This dance can last several hours.
- Scorpions give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. The babies look like miniature versions of adults. Baby scorpions can live with their mothers for up to two years.
- Some life-saving medical treatments are using chemicals found in scorpion venom. Experts are researching venom for use in cancer-fighting drugs, anti-inflammatory medications, and treating autoimmune disorders.
- Adult scorpions have chemicals in their bodies with fluorescent properties. This makes them glow under UV lighting.
- Scorpions are one of the oldest creatures alive on the planet, and there are traces of them as far back as the days of the dinosaurs.
Even though scorpions are interesting animals, you don't want them wandering around your property. Contact an exterminator like EnviroGuard to keep them away.
Total Scorpion Control For Corpus Christi Residents
Don't try to get rid of scorpions on your own. At EnviroGuard, our technicians are skilled in the latest extermination techniques to keep these and other pests out of your home. We'll perform a full inspection of your property and come up with a custom solution to eliminate pesky scorpions. To learn more, call us today.