Scorpion Facts & Information

Southern devil scorpions are usually found around rocky hillsides. Crumbling rock faces, brick walls, crawl spaces, leaf-covered areas, and log piles are favorite habitats. Scorpions are most likely to be seen in or around houses from April through June but can be active until fall. Dense ground cover, such as leaf litter or mulches, tall grass, wood piles, or general clutter provide excellent protection for scorpions and the small creatures that they eat – that’s really what attracts scorpions in the house. If you have these areas that are attractive to scorpions, then that could be why you have scorpions around your home or business.

Since scorpions can provide a painful sting that can last for hours, getting rid of scorpions should be left to a professional. DIY scorpion control isn’t a good idea since most over-the-counter products will only push them away – and into another part of your home or business. Sticky traps can help, but only a trained eye really knows where to put them to be most effective. Sealing cracks and crevices in your building will not only help stop scorpions from getting in but will help with almost all manner of bugs, insects, and rodents.

Scorpions are not aggressive but will raise their pinchers and tail in an attempt to scare away anything that bothers them. They will strike if touched or accidentally grabbed. A venom, produced by a pair of glands located near the end of the tail, is injected by the stinger. The sensation is a sharp pain that usually lasts for 15 to 20 minutes. Reactions can vary depending on age or sensitivity of the individual and the amount venom injected. Persons stung during early March or April by scorpions just emerging from their winter hiding places may have pain that lasts for several hours, plus a general numbness in the area. We know you have a lot of questions about scorpions stings, so here are some we get most often: What does a scorpion sting look like? A scorpion sting may make your skin look red and slightly swollen. Are scorpions poisonous? Can you die from a scorpion sting? While there is a small chance of being highly allergic to the venom, we are still going to say no to both! Most stings aren’t harmful and only cause pain around the stung area. Very few deaths from scorpion stings have been reported in the United States. And finally: how to treat a scorpion sting? Clean the area with soap and water of course, but consult a doctor. We’re experts in pest control.

Scorpions can be accidental invaders in homes and buildings where they may crawl into or under any object that affords some protection. Gaps around doors are a major entry way for these wandering hunters. Prevent entry by sealing and weather stripping around thresholds and plug gaps where utilities (wire and pipes) enter the structure. Then follow up with a major cleanup to eliminate as many of the hiding places as possible that are so important for scorpions and their prey. Sanitation and exclusion are the most effective, long-term means of reducing scorpion numbers around dwellings. This should be done in the fall or winter, before scorpions become active in early spring. During the summer, be careful when picking up objects. Don’t forget to look at the undersurface. Shoes and clothing should be shaken out and inspected before getting dressed. Legs of cribs or tables can be placed in wide-mouthed jars, scorpions cannot climb clean glass. Scorpions on the body should be brushed off, not swatted.

We’re passionate about controlling scorpions because we live and work here – it’s our neighborhood, too. We’ve been keeping homes and businesses in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin safe from pests since 1972. OPC Pest Services has the experience you can trust.