Scorpions
Many people flock to California because of the warm, dry climate. Unfortunately, so do scorpions.
Being found in fossil records dating back 425 to 450 million years ago, one could debate that the scorpions got here first. However, that doesn’t mean we’re willing to simply coexist with them in our homes and businesses.
SCORPIONS: THE DANGEROUS COUSIN?
The unique characteristics of scorpions allow them to be classified with other creepy crawlies one could find skittering about the Arizona landscape. They owe their tough, chitinous exoskeletons to the Arthropoda phylum, and their four pairs of jointed legs place them in the class Arachnida. This technically makes scorpions the cousins of other common pests, such as spiders, mites, and ticks.
In total, there are over 1,500 species of scorpions, with over 70 living in the United States. Despite their crab-like exoskeleton and pincers, the long segmented tail that curls at the end of their bodies distinguish a scorpion from its ancestors.
It’s also what makes a scorpion dangerous.
DANGERS OF SCORPIONS
Though most scorpion stings are not considered life-threatening to humans, there is one exception: the bark scorpion. The Arizona bark scorpion, known scientifically as Centruroides sculpturatus, is the most venomous scorpion in the United States.
The Arizona bark scorpion is small and light brown in coloring. An adult male typically measures 8 cm in length, and an adult female is slightly smaller at 7 cm in length. A female typically gives birth to 25 to 35 young at a time, which will remain with their mother for up to three weeks. Despite most scorpions remaining solitary, bark scorpions will travel in packs of 20 to 30 in the winter and can live up to six years.
THE THREAT OF SCORPIONS IN YOUR HOME
Bark scorpions take shelter during the heat of the day and will hide under:
- Rocks
- Wood piles
- Tree bark
- Debris
In developmental areas, heightened construction often disrupts scorpions’ natural habitat and sends them scurrying to the nearest pile they find – which may be in your front yard or the back of your business.
Because they do not burrow, bark scorpions are often found in the shelter of homes. They require a mere 1/16 of an inch to enter into a space and move stealthily once they’ve done so. As many properties in the Metropolitan area feature irrigated lawns, these moisture-inducing systems draw scorpions into the area to hunt for prey and breed.
PROVEN SCORPION CONTROL SOLUTIONS
At Rodeo Pest Control, we understand the fear that surrounds a scorpion infestation and our main priority is keeping you and your loved ones safe. We treat your home with EPA-approved or organic products (based on your preference), that won’t pose any danger to humans or pets living inside the home. With over twenty years of combined experience, the experts at Rodeo Pest Control will be beside you every step of the way to assure your space remains clear of scorpion infestations.
