Prevention Tips For Scorpion Control In Tucson

Scorpions are intimidating and predatory arachnids. Out of all 1,500 species of scorpions around the world, only 25 have a fatal sting. Unfortunately, one of those, the Arizona bark scorpion, lives in Tucson. If you see any scorpions in or around your home, you need to call a Tucson pest control company immediately to get rid of them.

Signs Of A Scorpion Infestation

Arizona scorpions can easily hide in cracks or crevices in your home. The Arizona bark scorpion can climb and enter your home through an opening only 1/16 inch wide. They’re attracted to sources of water or moisture, and when they’re not living under the bark of trees, you can find them in rock piles or stacked firewood. Bark scorpions don’t typically live underground like most other scorpion species.

Some signs that you have scorpions in Tucson include:

• Warmer weather: Scorpions want to go inside during warmer weather to stay cool. 
• An infestation of other bugs: Scorpions feed on beetles, ants, cockroaches, and flies, so if you have those insects around, it’s a fair bet you have scorpions, too.
• Citrus trees: Arizona bark scorpions are attracted to dark, damp places. Citrus trees provide a ready-made environment for them to enjoy.
• A newly-built home: If your home was built recently in a desert area, the wildlife is likely nearby and ready to explore. 
• Shade trees: Any tree cover can be home to scorpions, including the Arizona bark scorpion.

If you notice signs of scorpions around your Tucson home, it may be time to seek professional assistance to get rid of them.

How Dangerous Are Scorpions?

No scorpion stings are pleasant, but most only cause pain and a little swelling. However, that’s not the case if you’re allergic to their venom or if you’re stung by an Arizona bark scorpion. In those instances, the sting can be serious and even fatal.

First and foremost, keep the sting victim calm. Don’t let them drink alcohol or take any sedatives. Apply pressure to the sting, and if the swelling is severe, use an ice pack wrapped in a towel or t-shirt. If you can do so safely, try to capture the scorpion in a glass jar so it can be identified by medical professionals. Call 911 or drive the sting victim to the nearest emergency room. They should have antivenom for bark scorpion stings and strong antihistamines for allergic reactions.

Five Simple Yet Effective Scorpion Prevention Tips

If you want to know how to prevent scorpion stings in Tucson, the best steps are to prevent scorpions from entering your home in the first place. Make your home unwelcoming to scorpions with these prevention tips:

1. Get rid of places for scorpions to hide. Put your garbage cans in a rack that holds them at least six inches above the ground. Stack firewood on a platform at least six inches off the ground and at least 20 feet away from the house. Clean up yard debris and cut shrubbery away from the house.
2. Caulk cracks and crevices around the outside of your home. Make sure you check your eaves and pipes entering the home. Put steel wool or pieces of nylon scrubbing pads in the weep holes in your bricks, or cover them with ¼ inch hardware cloth.
3. Install weather stripping around doors and windows. While you’re at it, fix any holes in window screens or screened doors. Make sure the screens fit tightly. 
4. Bring firewood inside only when it’s going straight into the fire. Wear heavy gloves when you bring it in, and don’t hold it close to your body. Keep it at arm’s length so you can see if any scorpions come crawling around.
5. Shake out shoes, clothing, bedding, and towels before use. If you’ve left your things outside or by the pool, take extra care in shaking them out to make sure there aren’t any scorpions hiding inside.

These tips should help prevent scorpion stings, but it you have scorpions living in or around your home, more will need to be done to keep you and your family safe from these stinging pests.

The Pros To Know For Total Scorpion Control

If you find yourself dealing with scorpions, you should call a professional Tucson scorpion control company such as Conquistador Pest & Termite. We’ve been locally owned and operated since 1977, so we know scorpions. Call our pest management professionals today for a free estimate to get rid of scorpions in Tucson!