There are no shortages of pests in the United States, and Texas is no exception. Pests come in all shapes and sizes. They range from being destructive, to harmful, to being mildly annoying to deal with. Scorpions, however, are one of the most intimidating insects alive. They can make an average grown man out jump Olympian athletes, and cause women and children to run faster than a speeding bullet. Even if you have never had the displeasure of being stung, scorpions top the pest control list.

A-Tex Pest Management would like to give you some knowledge should you encounter a scorpion

Is a Scorpion a Spider?

Scorpions are part of the arachnid family. They are close relatives to ticks, spiders, and mites. There are around 1,300 species of scorpions found around the world. They are characterized by a segmented tail with an infamous venomous stinger and elongated bodies. Scorpions are usually found in Southern and Southwestern parts of the U.S. Typically, scorpions are not poisonous (aside from 2 species) and they are native to Texas, Nevada, California, Arizona and New Mexico. People have a false belief that scorpions are only found in deserts, but that is untrue; they also inhabit grasslands and savannahs, deciduous, pine and rain forests, and caves. A scorpion’s sting is similar to a wasp or bee sting, and as mentioned earlier is not always poisonous. However, if you are uncertain it is best to err on the side of caution and seek medical attention.

What does a Scorpion Look Like?

Scorpions are known to belong and slender with a segmented tail that arches over their backs. Scorpion sizes vary according to species, but the average size is two inches by adulthood. Scorpions are yellow, blue, black, or reddish-brown in color. A popular commonly found nonpoisonous scorpion species has two broad dark bands extending the length of their backs on a yellowish body. This species is called Cenrturoides Vittatus. Do not confuse them with the Bark Scorpion (Centruroides Exilicauda) who are also yellow. Bark scorpions are pale and tiny and not easily seen. They are found all over the Southwestern parts of the U.S. and are very poisonous. The venom causes severe pain and swelling at the location of the sting. Numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficulty breathing, respiratory paralysis, muscle twitching and convulsions are also symptoms. If stung, get to a hospital immediately for medical treatment.

Scorpion Facts

Scorpions are nocturnal, natural predators that feed on a variety of insects including; spiders, centipedes and other scorpions. Larger scorpions will include small lizards, small snakes and mice in their diet. They hunt by sensing vibrations. Scorpions can go without eating for approximately six months. Though scorpions come equipped with venom and are general predators, they are also prey to centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds, mice, shrews, grasshoppers and bats.

Professional Scorpion and Pest Control in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander & Cedar Park TX

If you want to do a sweep every so long to see if scorpions are infesting your home or outdoor property, a UV tracker light comes in handy. When a UV tracker light is shined on a scorpion will illuminate, making detection easier. Should you find your home is in fact infested, call an expert from A-Tex Pest Management to use a custom integrated pest management approach to destroy scorpions running around.