The sting from a Texas scorpion is not likely to be fatal, but it can hurt like crazy. It can also send you to the hospital. In the last two years, Texas A&M Agrilife Extension has been getting lots of calls from worried San Antonio residents regarding scorpions. This is because scorpions become more of a problem for residents when it is either too hot or too cold. If scorpions are becoming a problem for you, there are a few things you should know.
1. The striped bark scorpion is the most common scorpion species in Central Texas.All scorpions are not created equal. Some are worse than others. It is important to understand how venomous a scorpion can be, and how likely a scorpion is to get into your San Antonio home. In both cases, we have bad news for you. Bark scorpions are considered to be the most venomous scorpion species in southwestern United States. As far as a home-invading pest, these scorpions are a threat because they’re prone to getting under the bark of trees. When one of these scorpions climbs your exterior walls, don’t be surprised when it tries to climb under the siding.
2. How bad is a bark scorpion sting?
Pretty bad. It depends on how much envenomation there is. A sting from one of these scorpions is likely to cause intense localized pain. If envenomation is great, serious medical symptoms can occur, such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle twitches, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, tachycardia, and more. In some cases, waves of tingling or areas of numbness are reported.
3. Babies are more venomous than adults.
When bark scorpions get into your home and have babies, it can present a greater threat because juvenile scorpions aren’t able to control envenomation. Bites result in high doses of venom. When you combine this with their smaller size, you can see how it is bad to have bark scorpion babies in your home.
4. What you should do about bark scorpions.
If you see scorpions in your home, contact a licensed professional immediately and take precautions to prevent being stung. Here are some suggestions:
- Remove skirts from all the beds in your home.
- Make sure blankets don’t touch the floor.
- Wear slippers when walking around your home at night; scorpions are nocturnal.
- Shake footwear before slipping your feet in.
- Turn bedding down before sliding in.
5. What you can do about scorpions
If you don’t have scorpions inside your home yet, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of a scorpion infestation.
- Do an exterior inspection and seal any gaps or holes you find. This can prevent scorpions from getting in. Pay close attention to exterior doors and windows.
- Remove hiding places around the exterior of your home, such as leaf litter and grass clippings.
- Reduce moisture around your home. Clean your gutters. Remove conditions that allow puddles to form. Water your plants in the early morning. Trim bushes and shrubs.
- Reduce clutter inside your home. If it doesn’t need to be in your yard, it is best to not have it out there.
- Reduce humidity inside your home. Cellars, basements and boiler rooms tend to be trouble areas for moisture pest harborage.
6. Don’t Battle Scorpions Alone
There are many types of harmful pests in San Antonio. Scorpions are just one of them. Reach out to Romney Pest Control to get started with a residential pest control plan. Our experienced and certified pest professionals know what is required to reduce pests around your home and keep pests out of your home. No San Antonio home should be without an effective pest control plan. There are just too many ways pests can damage your property and make you sick. Get your protection in place today.
