Other than spiders, scorpions are amongst the most feared and dreaded pests you could have the displeasure of finding around your Fort Worth property. Scorpions, like spiders, are arachnids that have eight legs when they reach adulthood, and they are known for their long, curled tails with a large stinger at the end. In the Fort Worth area, the striped bark scorpion is the most common species of scorpion and dangerous because of their ability to sting and inject venom. Being stung can be quite painful and leave you with swelling and itching for days afterward.
Reactions to the venom vary depending on the person, but at times the side effects can be severe if an individual is allergic. If you've been stung, it's best to ask a medical professional for advice ASAP. While scorpions might share certain characteristics in common, they also have unique differences across subspecies. For instance, the striped bark scorpion is a yellow or tan color with two black stripes on their backs. They grow to be around two and a half inches long and have very narrow tails and claws compared to many other species of arachnid.
Why Do Striped Bark Scorpions Come Onto My Property?
While you might associate scorpions with desert environments, the striped bark scorpion actually needs a dark, damp habitat to comfortably survive. They are nocturnal creatures that look for cool, humid areas to hide during the day. They are often attracted to properties that provide ample places to find shelter as well as access to their prey which include spiders, flies, and centipedes.
When outdoors, they usually hide under tree bark, rocks, woodpiles, or cracks in rock walls. When they occasionally make their way indoors, they are usually found in basements, closets, or even inside of things like shoes. Being aware of these hiding spots can help you avoid the unwanted surprise of accidentally stepping on a striped bark scorpion.
What Are The Best Ways To Prevent Striped Bark Scorpions?
Since these scorpions usually come around looking for shelter and prey, some of the best ways to prevent them entail dealing with underlying insect infestations that provide ample food sources. Here are some ways to remove factors that attract striped bark scorpions and keep them out of your property:
- Make sure that screens in doors and windows aren’t broken.
- Address humidity issues that attract striped bark scorpions and their prey by fixing leaky plumbing.
- Fix any cracks or crevices in exterior walls and the foundation of the building.
- Remove woodpiles, fallen trees, and leaf piles from your yard.
- Ensure that crawl spaces and basements are well-ventilated.
- If you have an especially humid home or business, consider using dehumidifiers.
- Place door sweeps and weather stripping around doors and windows.
- Get help from a pest control professional to get rid of insect infestations.
What’s The Best Way To Protect Your Home From Scorpions?
Dealing with striped bark scorpions around your Fort Worth property can be stressful. Even though strings are somewhat rare, they can happen, so it’s best to keep scorpions away from your home. The most effective way to prevent and remove striped bark scorpions and the prey that attracts them is by working with the experts at All-Safe Pest & Termite. Our pest control services are eco-friendly and high-quality, so you can trust our technicians to handle scorpions and other problem pests. To find out more or request a free estimate, give us a call today.