Of all the pests that might invade your home, which is the one you are most worried about? Most people would weigh their options and decide that nothing is worse than finding a scorpion indoors. Whether this is how you feel or not, we can all agree that these stinger-tailed bugs are not a pest anyone wants to find indoors. To help you understand the dangers scorpions pose to homeowners in Houston and how to keep these pests out of your living areas, consider these things.
Why Scorpions Are Dangerous
All scorpions have two pinchers and a long segmented tail with a stinger at its end. These stingers are filled with venom. How powerful this venom is varies from species to species. In Texas, there are 18 species of scorpions. The most venomous is the Arizona bark scorpion. Thankfully, this pest is rare in our area.
How Venomous Are Striped Bark Scorpions?
The striped bark scorpion is the most common in our area. Although this pest is not the most venomous, its sting still packs a punch. The good news is that this pest’s venom is mildly toxic. This means that it is rarely life-threatening. If you are stung by a striped bark scorpion, you might experience symptoms including sharp, short-lasting pain, swelling, and redness around the attack site. These symptoms may be followed by numbness and irritation.
One thing to note with scorpion stings is that they are more dangerous to specific individuals. If you have an allergy to scorpion venom, your reaction, if stung, will be much more severe. To find out your risk, consult with your local doctor.
When Do Striped Bark Scorpions Sting?
Despite their aggressive appearance, scorpions are passive creatures. They will not go out of their way to sting anything that doesn’t resemble food. Keeping this in mind, scorpions have a terrible habit of hiding inside dark, secluded spaces around homes. If you are moving storage boxes or reaching behind somewhere for something, you might encroach on this pest’s bubble and elicit an aggressive response.
The Reason Striped Bark Scorpions Invade Homes
Striped bark scorpions invade homes for two reasons: to hunt for food (other pests) or to escape negative conditions outdoors. One thing that commonly pushes these pests out of their natural habitat and into nearby structures is construction. If someone is building a home on your street, expect these pests to become a serious problem.
How To Profect Your Property Against Striped Bark Scorpions
If your home does not yet have a scorpion infestation, you should be working to keep things that way. To help you with this, try these simple yet effective scorpion control tips.
- Remove sources of water build-up in and around your property.
- Use some liquid cement or a caulking gun to fill in holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation.
- Make sure your exterior doors are protected with door sweeps.
- Repair damage to your home’s window and door screens.
- Close doors and windows when they are not in use.
- Clear brush, debris, and other clutter from your yard and property.
The Benefits Of Professional Scorpion Control
The best way to keep your home safe from scorpions is to invest in high-quality pest control services. At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we offer a range of plans and services to effectively identify, eliminate, and prevent these potentially dangerous creatures. These services also cover a range of other common area pests that cause trouble in and around Houston homes. Call us today to schedule your property for a detailed pest inspection.