The home often attracts unwanted visitors. Among the least welcome is the scorpion. Seeing one scurrying around in your house can be more than unsettling.
If one of these intruders shows up, don’t panic. Scorpions (order Scorpiones or Scorpionida) are usually not aggressive and will refrain from attacking unless they’re cornered or feel threatened. Yes, their stings are painful. But unless you’re allergic to animal stings, they’re not dangerous to humans.
Treatment of a scorpion sting is similar to a bee, wasp or fire ant sting. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling. Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed. If you have any trouble with swallowing or breathing, go to the nearest emergency room, immediately.
These creatures are arachnids, like spiders. Instead of laying eggs, scorpions give live birth to their young – sometimes as many as 100 at a time. They inhabit every continent except Antarctica.
With new construction going on in so many neighborhoods, scorpions can find their natural habitats disrupted. Sometimes that’s why they take refuge in a home. They also come indoors during extremes of heat, dryness or rain. Once they’re in, they’re unlikely to leave. If you see one, there are probably more.
One easy way to find them at night is to use a blacklight. Their bodies are luminous when exposed to ultraviolet light. Make sure you check your bedding before retiring for the night, as they can easily find their way under the covers and pillows. Shake out your shoes before putting them on, too, to avoid an unpleasant experience.
If your home has a scorpion infestation it’s important to minimize the number of new arrivals. Inspect the perimeter of your house and seal any points of entry, such as cracks. Clear away brush or any wood piles that are near your home – those scorpion hangouts shouldn’t be any closer than 30 feet. Eliminating standing water is also helpful.
Getting rid of a scorpion’s food source is another way to discourage them from moving in and staying. Because they feed on insects, a bug-infested home is like a buffet for scorpions.
Remember, you can call Slug-A-Bug for a free, no-obligation assessment of all of your pest control needs. We’re Brevard County’s premier pest control company. Call us at (321) 259-7844.
For more information:
https://www.britannica.com/animal/scorpion
https://www.thoughtco.com/scorpion-facts-4135393
https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/scorpion
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-scorpions/
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/arachnids/why-scorpions-glow-under-black-light.htm
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/wilderness_scorpion_sting/article_em.htm