April 12th, 2023
Spring in Phoenix and the surrounding areas often comes with an increase in pest activity, including scorpions. Many species thrive in the region’s arid climate, with the desert hairy scorpion, striped tail scorpion, and the Arizona bark scorpion being the most common.
While they range in size and color, all scorpions have eight legs, a pair of pincers, and a curved, barbed tail that they use to sting prey and attack perceived threats. Arizona has the highest number of scorpion sting reports, with the state’s poison control centers averaging around 11,500 calls annually. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent and manage scorpions this spring.
Understanding scorpion habits, taking measures to prevent scorpion infestation, and getting rid of the pests via scorpion extermination as soon as possible is essential for keeping you and your family safe.
Scorpions are nocturnal pests, meaning they’re most active at night. During the day, they tend to hide in dark locations, including under rocks, wood piles, and yard debris. They may also squeeze into small crevices and find their way into a garden shed, garage, basement, or attic, where boxes and other clutter provide shelter from heat and predators.
Food and moisture can also attract scorpions to your property. Their diet consists of other pests, such as beetles, cockroaches, termites, and spiders. Some also eat small lizards. Like other creatures, scorpions need water to survive, and they know their prey tends to live near water, too. As such, garden beds, tree groves, damp basements, and bathrooms can make ideal hangouts for them.
When threatened, a scorpion may attack with its stinger. Not only are the stings painful, but several species are venomous. Common scorpion species include Arizona bark scorpions, the giant hairy scorpion, among other various scorpion species. While their venom generally isn’t potent enough to cause severe harm to humans, some people may experience symptoms such as:
Even without a severe reaction, some scorpion stings, particularly those from an Arizona bark scorpion, can cause an intense and painful burning sensation. In the event of a scorpion sting, seek medical attention right away.
Prevention is the best way to keep scorpions away from your yard and out of your home. One way to do this is to minimize attractive hiding places. Remove yard debris, including tree limbs, logs, lumber, and bricks. Trim trees and shrubs, and mow your lawn regularly to keep your grass short. You can also deter scorpions — and other pests — by eliminating standing water.
Other ways to deter scorpions from taking up residence in your home include:
What happens if you discover scorpions hiding in your yard or home? You can try to get rid of them yourself with scorpion control products. For instance, you might use a scorpion-specific spray, which you may find at a home improvement store. However, these chemicals may not be ideal in homes with pets or young children.
Some natural methods, such as boric acid and diatomaceous earth, may deter most scorpions. These treatments may take longer to work, leaving you, your family, and your pets at risk of getting stung. You might also try setting glue traps to control scorpions in and around your home.
Another option some people use is hunting for scorpions around their homes at night using a black light to eliminate them. Keep in mind that this can be extremely dangerous. If you don’t keep your distance or mishandle a scorpion, you could get stung trying to get rid of it.
The best way to handle scorpions on your property is to leave it to the scorpion pest control pros. That way, you don’t have to risk your health and safety trying to deal with them on your own.
Responsible pest control exterminators like Budget Brothers have years of experience safely and effectively eliminating scorpion infestations from your yard and home. This top pest control company can also perform regular inspections and provide you with tips and tricks to prevent future problems.
Have you discovered scorpions on your property? Don’t try to manage them alone. At Budget Brothers, our highly trained pest control technicians have decades of collective experience tackling scorpion infestations as well as a range of other pests. For fast, effective scorpion control in Phoenix, contact Budget Brothers scorpion control services today!
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