Few things instill fear in a person as fierce as a scorpion sighting. Their long curvy tails and rigid insect-like bodies seem straight out of a science fiction movie. Not only are scorpions fearsome to look at, some species wield a venomous barb at the tip of their tails and they are experts at delivering their poisonous payload. If you have a scorpion problem, you may be tempted to lock yourself and your children indoors during the warmer months of the year. However, if you educate yourself about scorpion control, you can safely and confidently reclaim the outdoor areas surrounding your home.
One of the most effective ways to prevent scorpions is to deal with them indirectly. Many people are surprised to learn that the eradication of other insects can often have a tremendous impact on scorpion populations.
Most people are surprised to learn that scorpions are not insects at all. They are actually arachnids and a close relative of spiders. Scorpions range in size, some growing as large as five inches long. They are easily identified by their thick long bodies and curved, lobster-like pinchers. Although, many people are fearful of these claws, they are generally quite harmless in comparison to the scorpion’s bulb-shaped stinger attached to the end of its tale. Most scorpions are orange or light brown, but some larger species appear dark-colored. In some cases, scorpions are considered to be beneficial as they often feed on other pests like spiders, centipedes and other small insects.
Who Needs Scorpion Control?
People who live in hot, arid climates should generally be on the look out for scorpions. Those who have young children should be especially careful of these poisonous critters. Although, scorpion stings rarely prove fatal, they can be especially dangerous to kids due to their light body weight. This can be especially dangerous as children tend to explore beneath branches and rocks where scorpions tend to go to escape the heat and lie in wait of prey.
Benefits of Prevention Methods
Scorpions are actually nocturnal animals, meaning they tend to come out mostly at night to hunt. Like most critters who live in hot environments, scorpions prefer coool, dark shelters during the day when the temperatures are at their hottest. Some of their favorite places to hide include, wood and rock piles, cracks in masonry, and beneath the bark of some trees. If you have a scorpion problem, you simply must work hard to eliminate areas that harbor the pests.
Seal off all cracks and holes in interior and exterior walls. If a scorpion can get through it, you need to seal it closed with silicone calking or masonry patch materials. Also, if you have a wood pile for your fireplace, make sure it is several yards away from your home. Although, this may be inconvenient, it is absolutely necessary if you want to reduce the amount of scorpions near and around your property. Piles of rocks and debris should also be cleaned from your yard and surrounding areas.
Benefits of Using Chemical Poisons
One of the most effective ways to prevent scorpions is to deal with them indirectly. Many people are surprised to learn that the eradication of other insects can often have a tremendous impact on scorpion populations. Since scorpions like to eat things like crickets, grasshoppers, spiders and even small mice, elimination of these pests can create a dramatic reduction to the scorpion food supply. Without sustenance, scorpions tend to either die off or move to another area. You can bet that if your front yards contain a large amount of insects, scorpions will be attracted. Although insecticides specially formulated for smaller insects may have little effect on the scorpions, themselves; they can go a long way toward reducing the number of scorpions in and around your property.
Risks of Using Chemical Poisons
Many people are surprised to learn that the leading cause of poisonings in the United States is the misuse of over-the-counter pesticides. If you have a scorpion problem, you’ll need to use an insecticide that has a residual quality. This means that the insecticide will be especially potent and long-lasting. It is for this reason that a professional pest exterminator is recommended for scorpion elimination. Not only can a professional safely administer the chemicals; he or she can also help you shore up your preventative measures.
The Bottom Line
Although, there are a variety of poisons on the market that are capable of killing scorpions, their long-term effectiveness is usually poor when they are used alone. If you have a scorpion problem, the best strategy is to use a combination of chemical poisons and proper preventative measures.
We live in western North Carolina and just bought a house in the mountains. When we moved in we found out that after 5 years of this house sitting her uninhabited, scorpions found it very accomodating. We sprayed with Max Defense all around the foundation in and out and still found them climbing down the wall from the top of the foundation wall. We are now caulking the entire perimeter of the foundation on top, up under the siding and around windows and inside where there might be holes in the cement block. It sounds like we are following your advise. We have also landscaped with rip rock around the house to arrest erotion. We have put the poisonous granules all around the rocks. I hope this works. Thank you for the reassurance reading your article that we are doing everything recommended.
Lee – May 28, 2011 , 1:33 PM