Sometimes we judge the danger of something based on its size. Something that is a lot bigger than us is generally more frightening than something smaller. However, the world of pest control is full of exceptions, and the scorpions of Fort Worth are a perfect example.
Scorpions: A Big Threat In A Small Package
One of the most common home-invading scorpions in the area is the striped bark scorpion, the smallest scorpion species in Texas. Only measuring about two and a half inches long at the most, their size won’t intimidate you, but their appendages might. With four sets of two legs, they resemble half spider, half lobster (did we mention the set of claws protruding from their neck region?). When you add in the stinger that curves to the side, rather than the traditional upward curve, the small scorpions can paint a terrifying picture.
The side-curving stinger is one of their most easily identifiable features, but these small, light-brown scorpions have two dark stripes running down their backs. If you notice one on your property or in your house, you do not want to mess with it.
Equipped with toxic venom that they use to immobilize their prey, striped bark scorpions are very dangerous to pets, children, and adults. While their painful stings rarely result in death, they’ll bring a host of health issues such as swelling, nausea, and the potential for anaphylactic shock.
Since they’re so small, it can be very difficult to keep these scorpions out of your home, which they’ll try to invade during the warmer months of the year. These pests are nocturnal and prefer to find a shady hiding spot during the day to cool off, which is why you’ll find them in the yard under stones, vegetation, logs, and landscaping items that create damp soil. If you’re digging around or moving items in the yard, disturbing their sleep is a great way to get stung.
Proper Scorpion Prevention Procedures
In order to avoid this painful sting and the health effects that come along with it, your focus needs to be on prevention. It may be hard to keep them out of your house or off of your property, but there is plenty you can do to reduce the factors that will attract them into your yard and your home in the first place.
So, what are they looking for on your property? They really just want food, or more specifically, other insects. That’s why keeping insects out of your yard and home can go a long way to deter scorpion invasions. The best pest and scorpion prevention tips include:
- Regular cleaning habits: Limiting loose crumbs by vacuuming and mopping, along with doing the dishes regularly, can reduce pest attraction to your home.
- Proper food and trash storage: By storing food in tightly-sealed containers and keeping your trash in inaccessible trash cans/receptacles, you can eliminate a convenient food source for most pests.
- Cleaning up the clutter: This is one for your house and your yard. Clutter in the yard like leaves and sticks is very attractive to insects and scorpions alike. Plus, limiting potential hiding spots within your home can create a scary environment for most pests.
- Moisture management: Scorpions, along with most insects, love dark, damp environments that are created in your home by leaking pipes and excessive humidity.
- Sealing up the entry points: Any cracks or crevices in your home, along with tears in screened areas, can allow for easy insect access. Using caulking on cracks and windowsills, along with weatherstripping on exterior doors, can reduce pests’ ability to get in.
Keep in mind that these tips may be effective, but there is no substitute for pest control. For scorpion control you can count on, contact White Knight Pest Control for more advice or assistance. Call us today and find out why Fort Worth residents trust White Knight for all their scorpion control needs.