Living in Texas means living with scorpions. Scorpions can pose risks to the health of you, your family and pets. The bark spider scorpion is one of the most dangerous and venomous scorpions. A sting is not only painful, but it can be life-threatening if you don’t get medical help immediately.
Facts About Scorpions
Scorpions do not have teeth, but they have a fang-like stinger in their tail. This stinger can pierce the skin and inject a mixture of toxins that can affect the central nervous system. Bark scorpions are 2-3 inches long and have two distinct parts to their bodies. They have eight jointed legs and a pair of pedipalps they use to grab prey. They like cool, dark places and will come into our homes. They are light brown to brownish-yellow in color with dark lengthwise bands. Another way you can find scorpions is by using UV light because they will glow green under them. They are most active in spring, summer and fall and will hibernate over the winter.
Scorpion Stings
You can rest easy knowing that scorpions don’t look for people or animals to sting, but they will sting if they feel threatened or become disturbed. The best way to avoid a sting from a scorpion is to avoid sticking your fingers where you can’t see them. This of course might be easier said than done. The sting of a scorpion feels much like a spider bite. The difference is that you will have symptoms immediately. Symptoms include pain or a burning feeling, a little swelling, sensitivity to touch and a numb or tingling sensation. More severe symptoms can include convulsions, blurry vision and unconsciousness. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to scorpion stings. If you are unsure, always seek medical attention.
How to Prevent Scorpions
While it may not be completely possible to avoid the sting of a bark scorpion, you can take steps to cut down on the chance of coming across them and a possible sting. Learn where they might hide in the house. 33% happen in the bedroom, 24% in the living room and 6% in the bathroom. How can you avoid a scorpion sting?
• Check your bed. Even when you are tired and just want to go to bed, you should pull back the covers and check-in between the sheets before you climb in.
• Check your clothes. Scorpions will hide in clothing and shoes, especially if you leave them on the floor. Shake your clothing out and check your shoes to make sure they aren’t hiding in there.
• Don’t go outside barefoot. Always put shoes on before you head outside to avoid stepping on a scorpion.
• Make your home unwelcoming to scorpions. Scorpions are attracted to water. Fix leaky faucets and remove standing water from your home. Put bowls of water for pets away when they aren’t being used and keep your yard free of clutter.
Scorpion Pest Control in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Austin Texas
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