Pests can evoke all sorts of emotions if they find themselves in places we don’t want them. Some people have a strong aversion to roaches, and others feel the creepy crawlies when they see a spider. The sight or sting of a scorpion, however, is generally shocking to everyone. Maybe it’s the irregularity of seeing a scorpion. Maybe it’s their unique shape. Regardless, finding a scorpion inside your home isn’t pleasant. Let’s talk about scorpions, what they look like, whether they are dangerous, and how to get rid of them if you find them in your home.
Scorpions Are Arachnids
Scorpions are arachnids, meaning they’re more closely related to spiders and ticks than ants or wasps. They have two body segments, eight legs arranged in pairs, sixteen eyes, two pinchers, and a tail that wraps around its body with a stinger on the end. The species of scorpion that are present in Georgia can reach a length of two and a half inches and vary in color between gray, brown, and black.
Are Scorpions Dangerous?
Pictures of large scorpions in deserts capable of delivering deadly stings creep into our minds when we see small scorpions in our houses. Those National Geographic books and nature documentaries on the Discovery Channel can be scary! Fortunately for us, the scorpion species in Georgia aren’t capable of delivering stings any worse than the average bee or fire ant. That said, scorpion stings are relatively infrequent. Unless you know what your reaction will be, careful monitoring is important to make sure that your reaction is limited to discomfort. People with allergic sensitivities to other stings may be more prone to acute reactions from scorpion stings as well.
Scorpions would rather not sting you and generally only do so when provoked or caught off guard. They can’t see very well, and they typically hide/ambush their prey. Since they’re nocturnal, this is generally at night. There aren’t many things less fun than getting up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, only to step on a scorpion and suffer an uncomfortable sting.
How Do I Get Rid of Scorpions?
As with all pests, controlling scorpions starts with understanding the pest. Getting rid of scorpions requires an effective combination of control strategies and chemical control solutions. You can also take some preventive measures to help keep scorpions outside:
- Make sure to clean up cardboard, leaves, or any refuse in or around a house that will give harborage and sustenance to insects that scorpions like to feed on.
- Seal voids in siding, cracks, and gaps in window sills and door jambs. This will limit their entry points.
- Contact a trusted pest professional such as Nature’s Turf to help establish a barrier around your home to prevent entry by crawling insects and arachnids.
If you come across a scorpion in your home, be vigilant about how you handle it–and where the tail is–when removing it. Their tails are segmented, and they’re good at placing that stinger right where they want it. If you are unsure of your reaction to scorpion stings, avoidance is better than acceptance.
Important Takeaways
- Scorpions are arachnids, meaning they’re more closely related to spiders and ticks than ants or wasps.
- They have two body segments, eight legs arranged in pairs, sixteen eyes, two pinchers, and a tail that wraps around its body with a stinger on the end.
- The scorpion species in Georgia aren’t capable of delivering stings any worse than the average bee or fire ant. If you’re prone to acute reactions from insect stings, exercise caution with scorpion stings.
- Like all pests, controlling scorpions starts with understanding the pest and requires an effective combination of control strategies and chemical control solutions.
- If you have questions or would like to partner with a trusted pest professional, give us a call at Nature’s Turf at 770-461-4156 or shoot us an email at info@naturesturf.com.
