Lovers of the heat and sunshine, scorpions reside in hotter climates—like New Mexico, Arizona and Texas. This means that in Houston they’re not an uncommon occurrence. Scorpions are arachnids, meaning they have eight legs and are a relative to spiders and ticks. Their colors range color from tan to very dark brown but perhaps the most distinct and dangerous part of the scorpion is its tail, which delivers a venomous sting on contact.
Dangers of Scorpions
While all scorpions are venomous, not all of their venom is dangerous to humans. The only species in the U.S. that is known to have caused deaths is the Arizona bark scorpion, which is not present in Texas. Still, even if most scorpions can’t kill you, they can certainly make you very ill.
Depending on the species, scorpion stings can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Painful, burning, tingling or numb sensation at the site of the sting
- Widespread numbness
- Thick tongue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Blurred vision
- Seizures
- Unusual eye movement
- Difficulty breathing
- Excessive salivation
- Loss of muscle control
An adult who has been stung should wash the site of the sting with soap and water, apply cool compresses or ice to ease the discomfort, and administer acetaminophen to reduce pain. (Aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.) Any young child who has been stung by a scorpion, or an adult who has been stung and begins exhibiting severe symptoms, should receive medical attention right away.
See Also: Most Problematic Summer Pests in Houston
How to Stay Safe from Scorpions
Keep yourself and your family protected from scorpions with these tips:
- Be Aware. Knowing what scorpions look like is critical in protecting yourself and your family from them. Also, knowing that scorpions are nocturnal will help you be more attentive to them in the dark hours of night.
- Wear Shoes. Walking around outside barefoot in a place where scorpions might be is not a great idea. Keep your feet protected by wearing shoes when you go outside or even in the yard.
- Check Shoes First. Before you put those shoes on, shake them out to make sure a stray scorpion hasn’t tried to make its home in your dark closet.
- Rearrange the Bedroom. You may not have to move it too much, but pulling your bed out away from the wall makes it more difficult for scorpions to crawl up and creep up into your bed.
- Perform Spot Checks. Keeping an eye out for scorpions is the best way to protect your family. Since these pests are nocturnal, look in places where they can hide in the dark, like under rocks, pots, or outdoor debris. Since scorpions glow under UV rays, using a black light when cleaning out the garage or checking under the porch may be helpful.
- Keep Your Lawn Tidy. An overgrown yard is an invitation for scorpions. Keep your grass cut short and weeds trimmed to limit hiding places for scorpions.
- Call a Professional. If you find that you have a problem with scorpions, or your neighbors do and you are concerned it will spread to you, a Houston pest control professional can help.
Keeping scorpions at bay means taking special precautions, particularly in warmer months. Ask your local pest control company how treatment outside of your home may benefit your family by ridding it of scorpions and other nuisances. For professional, reliable Houston pest control service, contact Cypress Creek.
