Dealing with Scorpions in Oklahoma

You can live in Oklahoma your entire life and never see a scorpion. It’s true and we hope you’re one of those lucky Okie’s! But it’s also true that you can stick your foot into your favorite pair of gardening Crocks and find that a scorpion has crawled into it. Believe it or not, scorpions are found all over Oklahoma and are a very real issue for many people in the area. Emtec Pest Control has gathered together some helpful information about scorpions, what you can do if you find them, and tips on how to deter them.

Scorpions are classified as arachnids with approximately 50 species of them found in the United States, most of which are in the Southwest. Luckily, the number of species in Oklahoma is only about five, but one in particular is commonly found in the entire state, the Bark Scorpion. These are smaller then most scorpions, their pinchers are thin and long, their abdominal segments are longer, and they’re more slender then others. The Bark Scorpion is very light in color (a pale yellow to a light tan) that allows it to blend in well with its surroundings outside. It is also one of the most venomous scorpions in North America, and is particularly dangerous to small children, the elderly, and people who may be allergic to the sting. Thankfully, it is rarely fatal with today’s advances in antivenin.

They are considered “Bark Scorpions” because of their distinct association with fallen trees, dead vegetation, and human dwellings. It is common for them to climb and can be found many places in and around the home, such as: firewood piles, mulch, potted plants, under rocks, inside boxes, piles of laundry, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, storage sheds, garages, cellars, and attics. It’s difficult and time consuming to deal with scorpions on your own, but it can be done. Here are a few tips that you can use to deter scorpions at home:

• Perform a thorough inspection inside and outside of the house. Be prepared to possibly meet some scorpions along the way and avoid being stung. Look for potential hiding places outdoors, look for entry places around the doors, windows, and foundation of your house, and look for hiding places inside.
• Do a thorough cleaning inside the house. Carefully pick up laundry and clutter off the floor. Clean out closets, storage spaces, and bathroom/kitchen cabinets.
• If you have noticed scorpions crawling up the drain to gain access to your home, pour bleach down the drains of your septic system weekly.
• Use glue traps indoors to capture scorpions and the insects they eat alike.
• Seal off any holes, gaps, or cracks found in the exterior walls of the house using caulk or another appropriate sealant.
• Check the weatherstripping on doors and windows, replacing any that has apparent holes, gaps or cracks.
• Remove any debris found in the yard (like loose rocks, wood, trash, etc.), keep the lawn mowed short, and prune shrubbery away from the walls of the house.
• If you have a pile of firewood, keep it stacked away from the house and try to frequently move it around the yard.
• Plant lavender around the perimeter of your home as it’s been scientifically proven to keep scorpions away.
• See if a new pet can fix the problem. Cats and some dogs have been known to catch and kill scorpions. Raising chickens and allowing them to peck around in the yard can also help control scorpions as they eat them right up.

If, however, you are dealing with a scorpion infestation that you simply haven’t been able to contain on your own, then give the professionals at Emtec Pest Control a call. We will tailor a treatment plan with maximum effectiveness to your specific situation along with any other recommendations to address your scorpion problems.