Can Pets Bring Scorpions Into Your Home?

Scorpions are common here in Arizona, and they often make their way into homes throughout the region. While regular visits from your pest control specialists can help keep them at bay, it is still important to be vigilant. This is especially true if you have pets that spend a lot of time in the outdoors, as they can carry scorpions inside on their fur. Here’s what you need to know about scorpions in Arizona and what to do about them. 

Scorpion Basics 

There are more than 50 species of scorpion that call Arizona home, but fortunately, most of them are not particularly dangerous to humans. However, many of these species look remarkably similar, so you likely won’t be able to tell the dangerous ones from the harmless ones. Because of this, it is always best to be wary of any scorpion you or your pets find. 

Scorpions are part of the arachnid family, like spiders, and they typically have eight legs. They also have pincers at the front of their bodies, which they use to pin down their prey while they dine. The key identifying feature of scorpions, though, is the long, curved tail at the back of the body. This is the part you need to watch out for, as it is where they have a sharp stinger. 

Scorpion stings can be incredibly painful, and you’ll likely experience swelling around the sting site. If you are so unlucky as to get stung by a venomous variety, the pain will typically continue for up to three days. You may also experience numbness and muscle spasms. If you have a severe reaction to the sting, you could also be in for breathing difficulties and vomiting.

If you or your pets get stung by a scorpion, seek medical attention. While most healthy adults will be fine in a day or two, stings can be dangerous for children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems, as well as for your pets. 

Where Scorpions Live 

Most scorpions are nocturnal, spending their days hiding and coming out at night to hunt for insects and other small prey. Some dig burrows in the ground, while others hide out in palm trees and among debris on the ground in your yard. It is a good idea to keep your yard clean and tidy to minimize possible scorpion homes. They like to hide in dark places, so always give your shoes a good shake if you haven’t worn them in a while to ensure there aren’t any scorpions hiding inside! 

How Scorpions Get Inside Your Home 

Typically, scorpions make their way into your home through small cracks and openings, like around window and door seals. Like their spider cousins, they are excellent climbers, so don’t neglect the seals around windows on the upper floor. If you have pets, scorpions can also hitch rides on their fur. While this isn’t particularly common, as scorpions tend to keep to themselves, it is still possible. Especially during the summer when scorpions are most active, check your pets as they come inside to ensure they haven’t brought along any stowaways. 

What to Do If You Find Scorpions on Your Arizona Property 

If you find a scorpion in your home or yard, the important thing is not to panic. They generally won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but that still doesn’t mean you want them hanging around. For assistance with your scorpion problem, no matter how big or small, get in touch with the scorpion removal experts here at Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination right away. We’ll send someone out to inspect your property and identify any access points for scorpions so we can keep you and your pets safe. Call now for an appointment with our team.