Just Moved to Town? What’s With The Scorpions?

Scottsdale continues to be a hotbed for residential real estate activity. In the metropolitan area especially, the housing market is booming, as the area is seeing tremendous growth. If you have recently moved here from out of state, you’re probably finding a lot of things you like. Warm winters are nice, and there is no shortage of outdoor activities available.

Of course, some aspects of Scottsdale living can be challenging, including some of the creatures and critters you might encounter. Chances are, you’ve already run into scorpions. These native residents can pose some problems, so it’s important to understand their characteristics and how to get along with these desert dwellers. And if push comes to shove, consider reading some Terminix reviews before calling your local pest control company in your area.

Physical Description

Scorpions are arachnids, making them close relatives to spiders. They are also related to ticks and mites, though they are much larger. Scorpions can grow up to 8 inches long, though many are as small as 3 inches. They range in colors, including gray, tan, orange, and yellow. Perhaps a scorpion’s most distinctive feature is its stinger on the end of its curved tail.

Why Arizona Is So Attractive to Scorpions

Scorpions love hot, dry climates. They thrive in hilly, rocky areas and places with a lot of brush. Much of Arizona is warm all the time, allowing these pests to be active throughout the year. Their prey also enjoys the native landscape, so there is plenty of food for scorpions in this desert environment.

How They’ve Been Forced Into Homes

In the last few decades, development all across the state has accelerated. As homes and businesses shoot up all around, the construction disturbs these animals and their habitat. Scorpions have no choice but to move on and seek shelter and food where they can. This could be in your backyard or even your home.

How to Keep Scorpions Away

Household pests can come in many varieties. Seeing a large venomous creature much larger than a spider can stir up fear and anxiety in anyone, and a scorpion infestation can be hazardous to your health and safety. The good news is there are steps you can take to keep them away.

Because scorpions love to hide in brush, it’s best to keep brush away from your home. Make sure desert plants are at least 30 feet from your house. If you do have any brush on your property, you should trim it and keep it from growing out of control. Also, be cautious about having rock gardens in your yard. Though these can be attractive and practical features in this climate, they also invite scorpions. If you have rock gardens, make sure they are away from areas in your yard where children play, such as swing sets and trampolines.

Like any animal visitor to your home, scorpions will be on the lookout for water. If you have standing water near your foundation, dry it up immediately. Inspect rain gutters and downspouts and make sure they are diverting water away from your home. You should also repair leaky air conditioning units and pipes to discourage scorpions from drinking there.

Turning Back Scorpions From Your Home

If you spot scorpions inside your home, be vigilant and proactive. Spraying your home with insecticide can kill these pests and keep more from coming in. Spray the product in places where they commonly hide, such as in closets and in the basement and garage. Also, spay along baseboards, door frames, and windows.

A local pest control company can be your best resource for help if you have an infestation of scorpions. Exterminators have the knowledge and training to contend with these dangerous arachnids. An exterminator will assess entry points into your house and use effective tactics to eliminate scorpions from your property. A pest control company also provides technicians with the equipment to stay safe while investigating scorpion problems.

Take Caution

The sting from a scorpion can be deadly, especially to children and the elderly. The area where they sting will turn red and be painful. You could experience blurred vision, muscle spasms, and seizures. Seek medical care right away if you are stung.

Arizona is one of the few places in the country where you will come into contact with a scorpion. If you’re a new resident here, be aware of where scorpions live, the dangers they pose, and how to keep them away.