The stinger. The pincers. Those creepy-crawly legs. Scorpions are some of the most intimidating pests on earth. While these armored arachnids are usually found hunting prey in the wild, they are well-known intruders in Texas homes. And unfortunately, many unsuspecting people in McKinney are stung by striped bark scorpions hiding around their property every year. But how dangerous are striped bark scorpions in McKinney?
What Are Striped Bark Scorpions?
Striped bark scorpions are the most common type of scorpion encountered in McKinney. There are at least 18 known species of scorpion native to Texas, but it’s the striped bark scorpion that’s most likely to infiltrate your home or business.
Striped bark scorpions can be easily identified. Like all scorpions, they have an elongated tail topped with a bulbous barb along with a pair of pincers. Striped bark scorpions are yellowish-brown in color and have two distinct dark stripes traveling the length of their bodies. An average specimen measures about 2 ½ inches in length.
How Dangerous Are Striped Bark Scorpions?
They won’t go out of their way to attack you, but if confronted or startled, striped bark scorpions will sting. These venomous pests can inflict intense pain with their sting, but an encounter with a striped bark scorpion is rarely fatal. Most healthy adults will only experience aching and swelling as a result of the sting, similar to that of a wasp or bee.
However, those who are allergic to scorpions are in real jeopardy if stung. Medical attention should be sought immediately for these individuals, as a scorpion sting could result in anaphylactic shock. Regardless of your health, you should get medical help for your striped bark scorpion sting.
Are Striped Bark Scorpions Poisonous?
Yes, bark scorpions are venomous. They possess a venomous sting that can cause pain, swelling, and numbness. While their venom is not typically lethal to healthy adults, it can be particularly dangerous to young children, the elderly, or individuals with compromised health. Symptoms of a bark scorpion sting may include intense pain, tingling, and in some cases, more severe reactions such as nausea or difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is recommended if stung, especially for vulnerable individuals. If you’re dealing with a bark scorpion infestation in your home, it’s important to contact a professional pest control service to ensure safe and effective removal and to minimize the risk of stings.
How To Prevent Striped Bark Scorpions
Scorpions don’t come to your property to admire your landscaping. Like most home-invading pests, they are attracted to the food, water, and shelter you provide. They are known to slip through cracks and shimmy under doors. And although these pests are usually thought to hunt at ground-level, scorpions are actually expert climbers and can even crawl in through open windows.
Preventing striped bark scorpions on your property is a simple matter of controlling the factors that attract them and closing off the entrances they use to get indoors. Here’s how to do it:
- Control the pest population: Eliminating the bugs that scorpions feed on is a great first step. Keep your yard tidy and free of debris. Mow the lawn regularly and trim back bushes and shrubs to reduce hiding spots for common insects. Try turning off outdoor lights at night to reduce the presence of bugs that scorpions feed on.
- Eliminate hiding spots: Scorpions like to hide out in piles of firewood, stacks of stone, and other cluttered areas in your yard. Wear gloves and remove any such clutter to reduce hiding spots for scorpions.
- Reduce moisture: Excess moisture can draw scorpions to your property. Check pipes, spigots, and faucets for leaks and seal them accordingly. Ensure that gutters are clear and directing water away from the property.
- Seal openings: Inspect your property for any cracks or gaps in the foundation or around pipes and seal with silicone caulk. Replace any damaged weather stripping or door sweeps. Try not to leave windows open without screens installed.
If you’re having trouble with striped bark scorpions on your McKinney property or want to ensure you don’t have trouble in the future, contact the experts at Adams Exterminating Company. Since 1947, we’ve been providing top-notch, quality service to our customers in North Texas. When you choose us, you can trust that our services will be professional, effective, and reasonably priced. So, if you’ve got scorpions or any other pests causing problems, get in touch with us today for your free estimate.