While there are 100 scorpion species in the United States, only one lives in Dallas: the striped bark scorpion. Most humans are too large to be seriously affected by the majority of scorpion stings, but they can cause medical complications and even death for those who are allergic. If you spot a scorpion in your home, it’s best to just call a Dallas pest control company before attempting to identify it or remove it.
Striped bark scorpions, responsible for thousands of stings each year, are usually provoked by people mistakenly stepping on them.
How to Identify Striped Bark Scorpions
Measuring two inches in length, striped bark scorpions are a dusty yellow color, with two distinct, dark stripes that run down their backs. They use their twin pincers for catching prey; their long stinger contains a powerful neurotoxin. While rarely deadly to humans, the formidable sting of a striped bark scorpion gives people reason enough to fear them. Their stings can cause swelling and intense pain.
Why Do Scorpions Enter Your Property?
Like all scorpions, this species prefers cool, damp environments. They are desert creatures, after all, which means they will naturally seek shelter from the day’s intense heat so they can then hunt at night when it’s cool. They like to hide in moist soil, piles of leaves, and rotting logs.
But when the temps fluctuate too much in the opposite direction and their moist hiding spots disappear, they will try to make their way indoors. Great climbers, striped bark scorpions can easily ascend walls, squeezing through small openings under doors, windows, and pipes.
If you have a lot of insects in your yard, they will be attracted to them. If they find good shelter and food in your house, they will hide inside during the day, then venture out at night to hunt for spiders and flies. Due to their nocturnal lifestyle, scorpion infestations are challenging for most homeowners to notice.
Protecting Your Property From Scorpions
Check out these ways to keep striped bark scorpions away from your yard and home.
- Clean Up Your Yard: Remove all yard waste such as piles of grass or leaves, piles of firewood, mounds of mulch, and stones.
- Seal Points of Entry: Seal any cracks or holes around the perimeter of your house with caulk. Repair tears in window screens and ensure weather stripping around your doors is intact.
- Keep Doors Closed: Make sure your garage door remains closed as well as other entrances to your home.
Contact Pure Green Pest Control
Store-bought insecticides are not as effective against scorpions as you may think. Professional scorpion treatment in Dallas is always the best course of action. If you have spotted a striped bark scorpion in your yard or home, call our scorpion exterminators in Dallas TX for a free quote and inspection at 972-750-6525.
