While Texas is known for its vast landscapes, rich history, and cultural importance, residents of the Lone Star State are also familiar with its various native critters. One of these creatures, the Striped Bark Scorpion, often sparks concern due to its venomous sting. While their sting is generally not life-threatening for most people, it can be painful and cause a serious allergic reaction in others. A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to provide a guide on how to control and manage Striped Bark Scorpions in Texas.
How Do You Identify a Striped Bark Scorpion?
It is important to first recognize and understand the Striped Bark Scorpion and their behaviors. The Striped Bark Scorpion is the most common scorpion in Central Texas. It is easily identified by its long, slender body with two broad, dark stripes running down its back. The Striped Bark Scorpion is a frequent visitor for many Texas residents.
How Do You Control Striped Bark Scorpions?
Home Inspection – The first step in controlling any pest is to identify any or potential points of entry:
• Check for cracks, gaps, and holes in your home’s foundation, windows, and doors.
• Ensure that your weatherstripping is intact and replace it if it shows signs of wear.
• Seal gaps around plumbing, vents, and utility lines.
Keep the Outdoors Uninviting to Pests – Scorpions, including the Stripe Bark variety, are predators that are attracted to areas abundant in food like other insects. To make your property less inviting to scorpions:
• Regularly trim bushes, trees, and shrubs away from your home.
• Remove piles of debris, rocks, or wood from your yard.
• Use yellow or sodium vapor light bulbs outside as they attract fewer insects than will traditional bulbs.
Inside Pest Precautions – Inside your home:
• Keep food sealed and stored properly.
• Regularly vacuum and clean floors to remove food particles.
• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements, as scorpions prefer more humid environments.
Insect Control – Remember, scorpions prey on insects. By controlling the insect population around your property, you reduce the scorpion’s food source. Consider using insecticides or consulting with pest control professionals for a proper pest control program.
Protective Measures – To prevent accidental stings:
• Always wear gloves when gardening or working in areas where scorpions might hide.
• Check your shoes, clothes, and bedding before using them.
• Consider using a UV flashlight at night as scorpions glow under UV light, making them easier to spot.
Professional Scorpion Help – If you notice a lot of scorpions in and around your home, it might be time to consult with a professional pest control service who specializes in scorpion management. They can offer treatments, advice, and more pest control methods designed just for scorpions.
Pest Inspections, Exclusion, Control, Removal, Management & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
While the Striped Bark Scorpion is a natural part of Texas’s ecosystem, it is easy to see why homeowners will want to keep them away from their living spaces. With proactive home maintenance, regular cleaning, and effective pest control measures, you can reduce the chances of an unwanted scorpion visitor. If you discover a major scorpion population around your yard or inside your home, contact A Five Star Termite & Pest Control today.
