Scorpions play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance outdoors. Inside your home, however, scorpions transform from an ecological necessity to a nuisance and a health hazard. Classified as an arachnid, scorpions resemble a curious mix of spider, ant and crayfish.
The 70 species of scorpions in the U.S. share three characteristics: They all have eight legs, two pincers and a segmented tail with a stinger on the end. Generally, the pincers indicate a scorpion’s poison level: large, round pincers suggest non-poisonous, and small, slim pincers suggest poisonous. Most scorpions in the U.S. are tan, but black, red or yellow variations exist. Scorpions carry a venom sac in the tail, which curls swiftly over the scorpions head to sting and deliver venom to its prey.
Scorpions vary the amount of venom released based upon the level of threat they feel, so symptoms and severity differ among people, stings and species. Severe symptoms include pain, difficulty breathing, convulsions, shock and possible death. Stings carry further complications through allergic reactions. Occasionally, venom takes the blame for hives, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems when an allergy is the true culprit. The people most susceptible to severe reactions are the very old and the very young, but people of all ages can experience complications, especially if the toxic bark scorpion stings them.
Inside the home, scorpions prefer to hide in dark, secluded places, and you will likely find them in closets, folded linen, firewood and attics. Scorpion control in the home is a time consuming process and requires action both inside and outside the house. If you fear a scorpion invasion of your home, call us for a free scorpion control quote. We provide our scorpion control services to Los Angeles County, including Glendale, LA, Valencia, Burbank, San Fernando, and Santa Clarita.
