(512) 813-7378 Customer Portal

Scorpions 101

How to deal with Scorpions

There are over 90 varieties of scorpions that have been identified in the United States, here in Texas we mostly see the striped bark scorpion. They’re roughly 2 ½ inches long. Striped bark scorpions are yellowish tan with two comprehensive, dark stripes running the length of the back and a dark triangular mark on the front of the head above the eyes. Everyone reacts different to the sting of a scorpion, with most saying it’s similar to getting stung by a bee or a wasp, the effects are not so grave. However, to be on the safe side, just assume that every scorpion you may encounter is poisonous and either avoid it completely or kill it.

Where do scorpions lurk around the house?

Scorpions like to inhabit structures and objects that promise them protection. These are areas like:

Gaps around doors
Gaps around wires and pipes
Under tables and crib legs
Cracks in windows and doors
Piles of trash/ stones/ boards or even firewood near the house
Loose fitting screens
Unkempt shrubs and lawns near the house

Keeping away scorpions

The best way to get rid of scorpions is to make sure that you destroy all their potential habitats and block any entry ways that they may use into your house.

Some of the ways that we can recommend for you to prevent scorpions from invading your space are:

Removing any clutter from inside the house and cleaning the entire house up to do away with any possible hiding places for scorpions.
Blocking the major entryways for scorpions by: sealing up gaps in doors, windows, wires and pipes, using weather stripping.
Keeping the glass screens in doors and windows clean, because interestingly scorpions cannot climb on clean glass.
Prune short trees, bushes and shrubs to expose the trunk and ground around them and ensure there aren’t any crevices where scorpions can hide.
Removing all the piles of trash around the house, be it stones, boards, rubbish, or even firewood to remove any possible homes for the scorpions.
Ensuring all the screens for your doors and windows are tight enough to ensure there isn’t a small space left where the scorpions can inhabit or crawl through.
Applying weather stripping around vents, doors and windows, will definitely keep the scorpions out too.
Using residual insecticide or dust to keep them out or kill the scorpions if they are already in the house.

What should you do if you suspect there are scorpions in your house?

Sometimes, despite taking all or some of the preventive measures, a scorpion may still escape your net and make it into the house. What to do if you suspect that there are scorpions in your house?

Shake everything thoroughly before wearing it: Scorpions like hiding in pockets of clothes and inside shoes where it is dark and safe. Especially if you kept your shoes or coat in the garage, be sure to shake them thoroughly before wearing them.
Don’t hit them with a fly swatter: Sometimes you may chance upon a scorpion with babies on its back, and your first instinct would be to hit it with anything you can find. Don’t do it! If you do it, you risk a crazy infestation that may be impossible to control, because the babies can scatter and spread out in different directions.
Use a vacuum to suck them up: Instead of swatting scorpions, using a vacuum to suck them up is the better solution as it ensures that you have all the scorpions contained. This reduces chances of them spreading away to other parts of the house. In the event there is no vacuum, you can try using a jar and a sheet of paper to keep them trapped inside and then let them out far from your house.
Be cautious when picking up objects especially during the summer months. Check it thoroughly and have a look at the bottom to ensure there is no scorpion hiding in there.
Avoid walking barefooted at night as you may step on a scorpion and get stung in the foot.

Please note:

It is however important to remember that scorpions are dangerous, and the task of removing them from your house is best left to professionals. In case you suspect a scorpion infestation, call your local exterminator at Domain Pest Control to come and get rid of them in a safe way.

Read Our Latest Blogs

Cockroaches: Facts vs Myths

August 25, 2022 No Comments

Cockroaches: Facts vs Myths Cockroaches are notorious creatures renowned for their tendency to rapidly infest homes, cause health problems, and spark havoc and fear. Because of their terrible reputation, most people are understandably disgusted by these pesky creatures. Despite the negative press, cockroaches are actually quite useful creatures with an important environmental role, which many

Differences in Termites and Ants

August 18, 2022 No Comments

Differences in Termites and Ants Although termites and ants are two distinct species, they also share some similarities that make it challenging for most people to differentiate between them. Both pests are notoriously destructive creatures you wouldn’t want in your home. Often mistaken for each other are carpenter ants and termites, mostly due to both

Mice

July 26, 2022 No Comments

Mice A mouse is one of the most widespread rodents in many parts of the world. Mice are nocturnal creatures, meaning they play and forage at night and spend the day sleeping. These pesky creatures are active all year round and thus can wreak havoc in your home or business throughout the year. Mice