Scorpions might be the scariest pests to have in your home. Although rarely deadly, their claws, fangs, and imposing stinger make them appear highly threatening. While most scorpions just want a place to hide from the Texas heat, having them in your home can pose a danger to pets, children, and individuals who may be allergic to scorpion stings. So, here’s the trick to keeping scorpions away in Austin.
Types Of Scorpions In Austin
First, let’s get to know the scorpions in Austin. There are dozens of species of scorpions that call Texas home, but the most common home-invading scorpion in Austin is the striped bark scorpion.
The striped bark scorpion can be recognized by its pale yellow or tan coloration with two prominent dark stripes running vertically down its back. Their bodies average about 2 ½ inches in length with thin front pincers and a thick segmented tail topped with a stinging barb.
While a sting from a striped bark scorpion isn’t life-threatening, it is certainly painful. Swelling at the site of the sting as well as nausea, difficulty breathing, and muscle spasms can all result from a sting. For individuals who are allergic, reactions can be much more severe and medical attention must be sought.
Keeping Scorpions Out Of Your Home
Scorpions enter your home for relief from extreme temperatures and in search of food. They can easily slip under your door or window and wind up hiding in some very inconvenient places, like inside your shoes, for example. You can take a few simple steps around your property to keep scorpions out and avoid a surprise sting.
- Remove yard waste – Get rid of any debris around the exterior of your property in which scorpions could hide. Common harborage areas include piles of firewood, rocks, and logs or fallen trees.
- Focus on landscaping – Make sure to cut your lawn regularly and keep shrubs and outdoor plants from making contact with your home. Overgrown vegetation is an invitation for both scorpions and the bugs they like to feed on.
- Reduce the presence of other insects – Scorpions prey on smaller insects like ants and spiders on your property. One of the simplest ways of reducing the presence of prey insects is to turn off your outdoor lights at night.
These tips will help to discourage scorpions from moving into your yard, but the real trouble with scorpions begins when they decide to head indoors.
- Identify possible entry points – Inspect the outside of your home for any cracks or crevices that scorpions could use to enter, especially around pipes and drains.
- Replace weather-stripping – A scorpion could simply walk through your front door with faulty weather stripping. Make sure to replace weather stripping that’s falling away.
- Reduce moisture – Scorpions need water to live like every other creature. Dripping pipes and fixtures, as well as sources of standing water, can attract scorpions to your home.
The Best Solution For Scorpions
While you can take steps to prevent scorpions from entering your home, you won’t be able to completely control the presence of scorpions and other harmful pests on your property all by yourself. That’s why you need a professional solution from Accurate Termite & Pest Control.
With over 20 years of experience, our high-quality services will eliminate scorpions and the insects they feed on from your property. We offer a free consultation to discuss your problems and promise never to surprise you with hidden fees or contracts.
For the best protection from scorpions for your Austin home, get in touch with us today for a free quote.