Answering Houston’s Most Common Scorpion Questions

Among American scorpions, there are very few that can cause significant pain or harm to a human. While there are well over a thousand different kinds of scorpions across the world, there are only about twenty species of scorpions in Texas. The most common scorpion in the Houston area is the striped bark scorpion, a non-lethal species whose stings are known only to cause pain and swelling that persists for several days. Keep reading to learn the most essential identification and prevention points about scorpions and get answers to your scorpion questions.

What Are Scorpions?

Scorpions are not insects but a type of arachnid. Like other arachnids, they have eight legs, but their segmented tail and large pincers easily separate them from their less scary-looking cousin, the spider. In their own class of arachnid called scorpiones, scorpions are stinging, predatory arachnids that vary in the lethality of their venom throughout the world.

Where Do Scorpions Live?

Scorpions can be found on every continent where people live. Antarctica is the most notable exception. Different kinds of scorpions can thrive in different climates, but they tend to prefer arid regions. Consequently, American scorpions are more common in warmer climates like Arizona, California, and New Mexico. Texas is also a common scorpion play place; however, scorpions in Texas are generally not dangerous to people.

What Do Scorpions Eat?

Depending on the species, some scorpions eat other scorpions or even small mammals; however, most of them stick to insects, spiders, and centipedes. Knowing this, scorpions can be good insect control for your yard, but fewer flies likely isn’t worth the risk of finding a scorpion in your shoe.

How Poisonous Is A Scorpion?

The most dangerous scorpions can be lethal. However, these kinds of scorpions are mostly found outside of the United States. The most dangerous scorpions in the U.S. are Arizona bark scorpions which can cause severe pain, numbness, tingling, and vomiting for up to 72 hours. Sometimes, a sting from one of these scorpions can cause immobilization and convulsions. This sting can be lethal, though only two recorded fatalities have occurred since 1968. Other than this species, most common U.S. scorpions will give a non-lethal sting similar to a bee sting.

What Does a Scorpion Sting Look Like?

Scorpion stings may differ depending on the severity. Common, non-lethal, or not particularly painful stings might have slight but limited swelling without much reddening of the skin. More dangerous stings will be darkly colored and swollen, perhaps even with a sting entry-point visible.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Scorpion?

Scorpions are most likely to sting when threatened, so if you encounter a scorpion in the wild where it’s not likely to be a threat to anyone, simply leave it alone. If you encounter one indoors, it’s best not to attempt to crush it, as many scorpions are resistant to being crushed. The best way to kill a single scorpion is to stab it while wearing long clothing, gloves, and shoes.

What Do Scorpions Hate The Most?

Certain scents and plants can deter many pests. Scorpions are no different. The most commonly recommended scents to get rid of scorpions are lavender, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and cedar oil. Placing dots of essential oils or spraying diluted amounts at entry points, in your shoes, and in problem areas may be enough to keep them from settling in. However, other pest prevention methods are more important for long-term and effective scorpion control.

Pest prevention methods to include in your anti-scorpion regimen include:

• Storing yard decorations and woodpiles far away from the home
• Keeping your grass trimmed
• Controlling your pest prey population by storing inside and outside trash in sealed containers 
• Cleaning rubbish bins at least once a week and keeping outside trash stored far away from the home 
• Practicing good sanitation all over the home to prevent insects from gathering to tempt the scorpions
• Sealing cracks and crevices around the exterior of your home with silicone-based caulk
• Getting rid of any sources of standing water
• Making sure doors and windows have hole-free screens and that they can properly seal

The Safest Way To Keep Scorpions Away: All-Safe Pest & Termite

Prevention is the most essential step to keeping scorpions away, but the best way to get rid of scorpions is by calling All-Safe Pest & Termite. Not only can we deal with your pest prey problem, but we can also identify risk areas, treat the problem, and prevent future infestations of scorpions and other pests invading your home. Our award-winning service has kept residents of Dallas, Houston, and Fort Worth safe for over thirty years. To see if you’d like to entrust your home to All-Safe Pest & Termite, call today for your free, no-obligation estimate.