How Dangerous Are Scorpions In Houston?

We have 20 scorpion species that live in Texas. Most can be found in hot, arid areas of the state. The striped bark scorpion is particularly troublesome because it has a preference for cool, shaded, moist environments, such as those found in Houston landscaping. When you add to this the fact that bark scorpions are great climbers that squeeze into homes through small cracks and gaps, it is easy to see how scorpions can be a serious problem in Houston. But, how dangerous are they? Let's take a look.

How Bad Is a Striped Bark Scorpion Sting?

First, let's address the elephant in the room. While the sting of a striped bark scorpion can be extremely painful and the symptoms severe, you're not likely to die from a scorpion sting if you seek medical attention. It is estimated that around 3,000 deaths occur worldwide from scorpion stings. In the United States, we've only had four deaths in the last decade. That having been said, you shouldn't take the threat of scorpions lightly. Learn to recognize the severe symptoms.

What you might not know about a scorpion sting is that it is possible to have a scorpion sting you without injecting venom into the wound. This is called a dry bite. This can happen when an adult scorpion just wants to give you a warning. If you're stung, and you experience no symptoms, you may have gotten lucky.

Common Symptoms Of A Striped Bark Scorpion

• Localized pain in the area of the wound

• Tingling or numbness

• Warmth

• Slight swelling of the wound

• Severe Symptoms Of A Striped Bark Scorpion

• Muscle twitching

• Unusual head, neck, and eye movement

• Labored breathing

• Drooling

• Perspiration

• Sick stomach or vomiting

• A fast heartbeat

• Anxiety

How To Make Scorpions Less Dangerous

Scorpions are only dangerous if you have scorpions. Makes sense, doesn't it? You can make Houston scorpions less dangerous by taking steps to make your property resistant to scorpion activity, and by doing a few simple things that can keep scorpions out of your home.

Scorpion Prevention In Your Yard

• Remove stones, wood piles, or wood debris. These can offer cool, shaded locations for scorpions to hide in. Decaying branches that have fallen from trees in your yard are particularly attractive to bark scorpions.

• Remove lawn clutter. If an object can block the hot sun, it is perfect for a striped bark scorpion to hide under.

• Address mice and lizard activity around your home. These are food sources for scorpions.

• Keep on top of yard work, such as leaf and stick removal. These can provide a cool, damp habitat for bark scorpions. A leaf blower or a rake are the tools for this job.

• Address clogged gutters, damaged gutters, or broken splash blocks. When your gutters aren't working to channel water down and away from your exterior, they can promote moist conditions that attract scorpions.

• Remove weeds, grass, and other unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping. Trim bushes and shrubs and address areas of your landscaping that are dense. An open and dry landscaping will be more resistant to bark scorpion activity. 

• Do routine inspections of your exterior and look for shed skins. You can use a black light to help you with this task. The exoskeletons of scorpions glow under black light. Be sure to wear something on your feet to protect yourself.

• If you detect scorpion activity, contact a licensed pest control provider.

Scorpion Prevention For Your Home

• Replace weatherstripping and door sweeps if you see gaps.

  Use a caulking gun to fill in rotted wood holes or holes created by wood-damaging pests.

  Use a caulking gun to create a good seal around water pipes and electrical conduits.

  Repair damaged window or door screens and seal gaps around the frames of door and window screens.

• Inspect the area of your home just above your foundation. If you see any gaps, apply caulking material to seal those gaps. You should also do this around window and door frames that have gaps. Striped bark scorpions can climb up to access these gaps.

• Use a foundation repair kit to seal cracks in your foundation.

• Moisture on the inside of your home can promote scorpion activity. Repair leaking faucets and showerheads. Wipe down showers, baths, and sinks after use. Refrain from taking showers or baths in the evening before bedtime to allow moisture to dry up before nighttime when bark scorpions are active. Use the fan in your bathroom to vent moisture during showers or baths. 

The Best Solution For Striped Bark Scorpion Management

At All-Safe Pest & Termite, we offer year-round pest treatments and pest maintenance to reduce the pests that scorpions feed on, and also to directly deter scorpion activity. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule a pest control evaluation for your Houston home.