Introduction
The Striped Bark Scorpion is the most common scorpion in Texas. It is a nuisance pest and is of medical importance because of its painful stings. Scorpion stings cause temporary local pain, tingling/itching, localized swelling, or tenderness and sometimes allergic reactions. Deaths attributed to this species are not well substantiated. Scorpions give birth to living young. These nymphs immediately crawl up a leg onto their mother's back where they remain until their first molt, which is usually 7-30 days later. Adults may live for several years, 1-6 or more. About 70 scorpion species occur in the United States.
Identification
Adults average 2-3/8 inches in length
Body color varies from yellowish to tan
Dark brown to blackish longitudinal stripes on top of abdomen
4 pairs of legs
1 pair of ventral pectines (comb-like sensory structures)
Habits
Scorpions are nocturnal feeders and mostly feed on insects. Inside structures, scorpions will hide in or beneath items such as shoes, pants, shirts, blankets, towels, etc. Around structures, scorpions can be found in attic/crawl spaces, rocks, firewood, under water hoses, toys, mulch beds, etc.
Control
Harborage elimination includes removing piles of wood, trash, and debris. We recommend storing firewood and other items off the ground to reduce scorpion hiding places. It's best to keep lawns mowed and eliminate excess plant growth as well. We also recommend checking doorways for excessive gaps, exterior walls for open voids, and breached crawl space vent screens. Sealing exterior entry points will help reduce scorpion activity inside structures. If you continue experiencing scorpion activity, call Austin Pest Professionals at 512-417-8617 to schedule a free site inspection and receive a customized pest control plan.
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