If there’s one thing that residents of Fort Worth, TX should be wary of, it’s scorpions. These venomous pests are common throughout Texas, and though they’re less prominent in cities like Fort Worth, they bring unwanted dangers to Fort Worth families. Make no mistake: certain scorpions can be dangerous to your home or business, so let’s talk about how to identify and prevent these pests from getting inside.
Scorpion Identification Guide
There are dozens of scorpion species throughout Texas, but most of them share similar characteristics. Scorpions are arachnids with eight legs. Additionally, these pests have two long arms that extend past their heads. They have elongated bodies that stretch into a sectioned tail, and their tail ends with a venomous stinger.
Like most arachnids, scorpions are predators, feeding on other insects and controlling pest populations. Scorpions are great for the environment and may even reduce problem pests in your home. But if a scorpion gets inside, then you have a problem.
There are three scorpion species to worry about in Fort Worth, TX. You can identify each scorpion by the following traits.
- Stripetail Scorpion: these scorpions grow between 2-3 inches long and have lustrous, yellow-brown bodies. As their name suggests, their tails have notable stripes, and their stingers are darker than their bodies.
- Bark Scorpion: these scorpions are common throughout the South and Southwestern United States, and are also the most dangerous. Bark scorpions grow between 2-3 inches, and have tannish bodies, and if you see one in your property, there are probably others as well. Avoid their venom at all costs.
- Giant Hairy Scorpion. These are the largest species of scorpion in the United States, growing over 4 inches in length. These scorpions have brown, hairy bodies, and are large enough to eat other scorpions – and sometimes lizards.
Are Fort Worth Scorpions Dangerous?
Scorpions sting when they feel threatened, so if you get too close to one without realizing it, it may lay its stinger on you. Most scorpion stings aren’t life-threatening, but you should seek medical attention if you have been stung, especially by a bark scorpion.
Bark scorpion venom can be lethal in animals and children, causing erratic muscle movements and heart complications. It’s wise to avoid scorpions and keep them off of your property. If you think you’ve been stung, see a doctor right away.
Scorpion Prevention Tips
How can you keep them away from your Fort Worth property?
For starters, keep your lawn tidy. During the day, scorpions hide under rocks, foliage, and anything that will keep them cool. By removing stones, wood piles, and leaves around the yard, scorpions will probably hide further away. Additionally, make sure scorpions don’t get in by sealing any potential entry points, like window frames and doorways.
Most importantly, scorpions may move indoors because you have another pest problem, providing them ample food supply. Make sure your house doesn’t have a different insect or arachnid infestation, as those problems are often what attracts scorpions to your property.
Still, Fort Worth property owners can’t always keep scorpions at bay. If scorpions get into your home or business, contact the pest professionals at All-Safe Pest & Termite today, and we’ll take care of your scorpion problem, safely.