Summertime in Oklahoma means many of us will be venturing outside for activities such as a family bar-b-que, swimming, or catching a baseball game. Besides the wind sweeping down the Plains, our great state is home to plenty of bugs that crawl, sting, and bite!
One pest that will scare even the most seasoned Okie is a scorpion. Visions of giant venomous tails and painful stings come to mind when we think about these creatures. While the thought of encountering a scorpion may be scary to many people, scorpions are not looking to attack. They are commonly regarded as pests, not as threats.
A significant difference between scorpions of other regions and the Striped Bark Scorpion is that it does not burrow. It prefers to hide under vegetation, rocks, and rubble. Dark, cool areas are their preferred hiding spot. Common locations for the Striped Bark Scorpion inside your home include closets, under furniture, and inside cabinets. This native Oklahoma scorpion is a nocturnal animal that prefers to come out at night when it is cooler. Bark scorpions are predators whose main diet consists of ants, crickets, cockroaches, flies, and other arachnids.
The Striped Bark Scorpion would much rather hide under a log than attack a person; however, if threatened, they will sting. The sting will be pretty painful but is rarely fatal. Most healthy adults will experience some itching, burning, and discomfort, much like a bee or wasp sting. However, medical attention should be sought immediately if an individual has an allergic reaction to scorpion venom. Young children and the elderly are also more susceptible to scorpion venom.
How Can You Prevent Scorpions?
Several steps stop these creepy crawlers from overrunning your home and lawn. One of these easiest is to keep your yard tidy. Remove any excess debris, fallen logs, leaves, or rock piles from the vicinity of your home. This helps in two ways: first, by removing places for the scorpions to call home. Secondly, it cuts out the scorpions' food supply. Another tip is to reduce the amount of moisture in your yard, seal faucets, and ensure there is no standing water, stopping an influx of prey such as flies, mosquitos, and other insects for the scorpion's feasts.
The creepy crawlers that call Oklahoma home will always be around. However, making adjustments inside and out of your home provides your family and pets safety. As the wind makes its way down the Plains and Oklahomans everywhere, enjoy the warmer weather; being informed about the Striped Bark Scorpion will ensure you have a safe and happy summer!
At Emtec Pest Control, we are committed to safe and responsible pest control. We understand that your family’s safety is your number one priority, so we make it our priority, too.
If you have any other questions about any of these pests or pest control for your home or business, contact your Oklahoma pest control experts at Emtec Pest Control by calling us or by filling out our online contact form.