What Should You Know About Scorpions in Oklahoma?

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.

Striped Bark Scorpion

What Scorpions are Found in Oklahoma?

Most people would be surprised to know Oklahoma is home to only one native type of scorpion, the striped bark scorpion. These arachnids get their name because they prefer to live under dead tree bark and vegetation. These light brown to tan scorpions are relatively easy to identify with their eight legs and two stripes that run the entire length of their bodies. These types of scorpions have an identifiable stinger and two pincers. There are rumors of scorpions growing to be more than six inches, but this is not true. The average size of the Striped Bark Scorpion is about two inches. Scorpions do not have good eyesight. They do not chase their prey but would rather lie in wait.

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.

Striped Bark Scorpion

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!

If you are uncertain about whether you have termites, be safe and not sorry! Emtec Pest Control can also identify openings, cracks, moisture sources, or other potential termite attractions while also giving you the peace of mind provided by the Sentricon® System. Our experts will help you devise a plan to keep your home safe and free from termites!

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.

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Northeast Oklahoma

Central Oklahoma

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