Scorpions Enjoy Warm Weather

Although we love the unusually temperate weather for May, this year hasn’t been as cool as it usually is. In fact, a warmer February led to changes in the natural landscape, notably for the scorpion population.

While the stingers are typically dormant into March, they were awakened from their slumber by the welcoming warmer weather, giving them even more time to multiply and get into Valley homes.

Perfect Conditions for Scorpions

When nighttime lows are 70 degrees or higher, scorpions are primed to be out and about. And since they tend to live in dirt, under rocks, or in trees, desert landscapes are the perfect areas for them to thrive.

While scorpions can go a year without water, they do like to live near canals and small ponds and lakes due to the abundance of food in those places. They eat insects, which are attracted to watery areas, including well-irrigated yards. And they like dark hideaways, such as woodpiles, cluttered garages, loose bark around trees, and even the inside of shoes. They are territorial, so they tend to gather around the same place, making them easy to find if you know where to look.

How to Minimize Scorpion Run-ins

Just because you have no control over the weather doesn’t mean there aren’t things to do to rid your home and property of these little stingers.

Reduce clutter. Clutter is a breeding ground for all kinds of pests and bugs, including scorpions. They, like many of their insect friends, enjoy the dark hiding spaces afforded by clutter. This includes woodpiles, leaf clusters, and storage boxes.

Remove their food source. It’s nearly impossible to completely rid your property of insects, but avoiding standing water is a good first step. If the scorpions can’t find anything to eat, they’ll quickly move along to the next home or yard where the pickings are better.

Avoid Scorpion Stings; Call Us

There are more than 50 species of scorpion in the Sonoran Desert, with bark scorpions being the smallest, most common, and most dangerous. In fact, according to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, bark scorpions are the only one of the species considered to be life threatening.

The Center says 12,000 scorpion stings are logged in the Phoenix area each year, although experts believe that number is low given that not all stings are reported. Thankfully, deaths are rare, but the pain can be considerable.

Don’t take chances with scorpions. If you find one, there are likely others. Trust the experts at Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination to rid your home and property of scorpions. We’ll help you have a safe home that’s only welcoming to people and pets.