4 Ways To Keep Scorpions Away From Your San Antonio Property
Scorpions may seem like something out of a movie, but in San Antonio, they’re a reality, and a scary one at that. Although the striped bark scorpion's sting may not prove fatal, it is always painful and can cause allergic reactions and a host of other health problems. Striped bark scorpions can be identified with their yellowish to tan body color and two broad, blackish stripes on the upper surface of the abdomen. The easiest way to recognize this species are the slender pedipalps (the appendages that end in pincers) and the long slender tail. To better understand scorpions, the threat they pose to your home, and how to prevent them, read along.
Understanding Scorpions
Scorpions in San Antonia use their big pincers to capture, hold, and devour their prey. Bark scorpions live under rocks, under boards, and in debris. They can be found indoors or outdoors in a wide variety of habitats (pine forests in East Texas, rocky slopes, grasslands, juniper breaks in other parts of the state). It is most common for them to climb, and many times when found in homes, scorpions have taken up residence in attics.
Scorpions remain sheltered in the daytime and become active at night. This behavior helps with regulating temperature and water balance. Their bodies are covered with a waxy cuticle which also helps reduce water loss. Their diet consists mostly of centipedes, spiders, and flies. They inject their prey with venom after they grasp the insect in their pincers to immobilize them. While they’re not necessarily seeking human food, beware of those pincers!
Four Scorpion Prevention Tips
The risk of getting stung by a scorpion is not worth the potential outcome. Homeowners should be aware of the presence of scorpions on their property and do their best to prevent a population from growing. Here are a few tips to keep them away from your home:
Eliminate harborage sites around your home, which includes trash, debris, and wood piles. Trim all of the hedges, trees, and foliage around your San Antonio home. Logs, stones, and debris should be cleared away.
Remove standing water in the yard and in your home. Make sure all leaks and pooling water are addressed in a timely manner.
Seal cracks and holes on the outside of your home with caulk. Repair any torn door and window screens, as well as holes in the foundation and make sure that garages and entry doors are well-fitted and sealed. Sealing your home with weather stripping around your doors and windows will help prevent scorpions from entering your home.
Scorpions thrive off of other insects, so strive to reduce any pests that scorpions prey on. Consult with pest professionals to manage any insect populations you may have on your property, as these insects provide scorpions with a reliable meal.
By taking these preventive measures, you can reduce the striped bark scorpion population around your home.
For more advice and assistance, contact the professionals at SATX Pest Control today!