Scorpiones

Scorpions are predatory animals of the Arachnida class and are closely related to spiders, mites, and ticks. Scorpions are known for their curved “tails” and venomous stings. Scorpions can sting humans and it does hurt. Fortunately of the nearly 2,000 species, only 25 are known to produce venom powerful enough to be dangerous to an adult human. Young children are at greater risk. There is one scorpion in the U.S., the Arizona bark scorpion, that produces enough venom to kill a small child. Fortunately, antivenin is widely available in medical facilities, so deaths are rare.

Identification – What do scorpions look like?

Scorpions range in color between yellow, blue, reddish brown, and black. They have long, slender bodies with a 5-segmented tail that can arch over the back. At the end of the tail is the stinger. Their body has 3 segments; a head, an abdomen, and a tail. They have an exaggerated pair of claws and 8 legs. They do not have wings or antennae. Most scorpions range in length from 1/2 to 8 inches.

Habitat and Habits of scorpions

Scorpions live in dry climates. Many species dig burrows in the soil and hide under rocks, logs, or debris. During hot weather scorpions will enter homes to stay cool. Scorpions are nocturnal. They come out at hight to feed on insects, worms, and small arthropods. They use their venomous stings to paralyze and kill their prey. They only digest food in liquid form so filter out the solids. They have a slow metabolism so only need to feed every few days.

Scorpions produce live babies. At birth, the newborn babies ride on their mother’s back. They remain on their mothers back, protected, until they molt for the first time.

Scorpions have long life spans compared to other arthropods. In the wild they live from 2 to 10 years, but in captivity scorpions have lived as long as 25 years.

Diet – What do scorpions eat?

Scorpions eat insects, especially crickets and cockroaches, as well as spiders and worms.

Scorpion Control – How to get rid of scorpions?

Rocky Mountain Bird and Pest control technicians are trained to find where scorpions are hiding and effectively remove them. We know how to get rid of scorpions from your home and buildings. We will inspect your property and provide recommendations to minimize scorpion problems. We will recommend exclusion, removing debris from around the home, keeping lawn mowed short, and possibly using an insecticide application to areas where scorpions are found or where they could enter the home.