There are certain features that creatures possess that help people understand if they are dangerous or not. For instance, if you see a fish with spikes covering its body and massive teeth, you will instinctively try to keep your distance from it. The same is true about scorpions. These arachnids don’t just have one pincher, they have two and a large stinger. We don’t know about you, but those sure do seem like good reasons to keep your distance. To help you avoid scorpions here in Phoenix, here are some simple prevention tips to consider.
Why You Don’t Want Scorpions On Your Property
Before we get into prevention tips for scorpions, let’s talk about some reasons you don’t want these pests on your property or inside your living areas. If you didn’t know, Arizona is home to America’s most dangerous species of scorpion, the Arizona bark scorpion. This pest has a sting powerful enough to cause lasting damage, moderate to severe pain, and requires medical attention to avoid more serious side effects. Other species in our area are also venomous but to lesser degrees. In most cases, a sting from a scorpion produces pain and symptoms similar to that of a bee sting. The good news is that scorpions do not go out of their way to sting people but rather attack when they feel threatened or trapped.
How And Why Scorpions Get Into Homes
On TV, scorpions look a lot larger than they are in person. On average, these pests are 2.5 inches long. When looking to invade area homes, these arachnids use their small size to squeeze through gaps, cracks, and other openings. You can find these entry points in your home’s exterior foundation, under doors, and where you leave unscreened windows/doors open frequently.
As for why scorpions invade homes, their reasoning usually has to do with avoiding dangerous conditions outdoors. Neighborhoods with several construction projects nearby suffer more frequently with scorpion invasion as diggers and other heavy equipment dig up their habitat. Cold and/or rainy weather has the same effect and pushes these pests to come indoors. One other reason scorpions might invade your home is to hunt for other pests such as flies, cockroaches, beetles, and spiders.
Some Strategies To Prevent Scorpions
In order to deter scorpions from getting into your living areas, you have to limit their access to food, water, and entry points. This is done in a variety of ways. Here are some great places our team recommends you start.
- Address holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation using a caulking gun.
- Make sure your window/door screens are in good repair.
- Regularly wipe down surfaces and vacuum floors around your home.
- Invest in tight-fitting lids for your trash cans.
- Reduce clutter and eliminate debris in and around your home.
- Manage moisture sites by fixing leaky piping, addressing broken gutters, and using a dehumidifier indoors.
- Repair damage to window/door screens and make sure exterior doors have door sweeps beneath them.
Why You Need To Call A Professional If You Find A Scorpion Inside
Because scorpions pose medical risks to humans with their dangerous stings, we do not recommend trying to handle these pests on your own when they come inside. Instead, turn to the expert pest technicians at Green Flash Pest Control. Our team is licensed and trained in the safest and most effective solutions to eliminate and prevent scorpions.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your Phoenix property.