The mild winters in Greater San Antonio, TX are attractive to many people in search of a snow free place to live. Along with people, our moderate weather also attracts other insects and pests. Today, A Five Star Termite & Pest Control would like to highlight scorpions, and talk about some ways you may be able to prevent finding this dangerous pest in your home.

Scorpion Identification

Scorpions are arachnids and like spiders have eight legs. That is about where their similarities with spiders stop. They are most often identified by their tail that is often curled up over their back with a stinger on the end of it. Their stinger is used to inject their prey with venom. They also use their stinger in self-defense, when they feel threatened. If you come across a small scorpion or what you may think is a baby, don’t underestimate it. They have venom even from the time they are babies. Scorpions are most active during the fall and spring. These are the months that they are looking for a mate; that’s why you can spot them more frequently during these seasons.

Scorpion Facts

Following are a few facts about scorpions:
1. Scorpions have an exoskeleton made out of chitin to protect their bodies. This exoskeleton is much like the shell of a shrimp.
2. Since scorpions live in harsh environments, they have adapted to it and have the ability to slow their metabolism which allows them to live on very little food. They can live for a year after eating only once.
3. When a scorpion has babies, they ride on their mother’s back until their first molt.
4. Scorpions fluoresce under a black light or natural moonlight.
5. Baby scorpions will not glow until after their first molt.
6. Most scorpions live between 2 and 6 years. When left in the wild, they can live even longer.

How to Prevent Scorpions

There are several ways to prevent scorpion infestations in your home or on your property. Here are a few tips for prevention:
1. Pest Control for Insects – Scorpions prey on other insects, so if you eliminate the insect population in or around your home, they won’t have anything to feed on.
2. Eliminate Standing Water – If you have any areas of standing water on your property, or in your house, you need to get rid of them. They are drawn to water and will more likely be a problem if you are providing it for them.
3. Repair Entry Points – If you have any cracks or holes in the foundation or siding on your home, they need to be fixed. Holes or tears in screen doors and windows are also an area that should be fixed.
4. Keep Landscaping Trimmed – You should keep your grass cut short and your shrubs and bushes trimmed to eliminate shelter for scorpions. They are nocturnal and look for hiding places during the day.
5. Store Firewood Properly – If you have any firewood piles, they should be stored at least 30 feet away from your house since this is a great place for a scorpion to hide during the day.
6. Check Before Bringing Items Inside – Before you bring any boxes inside from your garage, or any firewood from outside, check it thoroughly to make sure you aren’t bringing any scorpions inside.

Scorpion Pest Inspections, Control, 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

If you find you are having a hard time keeping scorpions out of your house or off your property, A Five Star Termite & Pest Control can help you eliminate your scorpion problem. Call for an appointment today!