Be Aware of Southwest Florida Scorpions
This is the thirteenth of 15 Household Bugs in SW Florida That May Freak You Out, which can be downloaded from our free eBook library.
Scorpions are one of the easiest freaky pests to identify because they are very unique- looking. They look like tiny lobsters that have two pincers and eight legs. You’ll notice a big curled up stinger on the back end of a scorpion.
Scorpions can be anywhere from 1-4 inches long. They can live to be five or six years old. In Florida, most scorpions are reddish, brown or black.
Scorpions do sting, and their venom is toxic; however, there are no scorpions in Florida which are lethal enough to kill a human. Scorpion stings can be very painful (some say even worse than a wasp’s sting) and will remain sore for a long time.
Some people are allergic to scorpion stings. Antivenin is available for severe reactions; do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Although there are over a thousand species of scorpion worldwide, only a few live in Florida. You aren’t very likely to see a scorpion inside your house.
Scorpions are a nocturnal animal, feeding at night and hiding during the day. They may hide under rocks – or in your shoes! But in the rare cases a scorpion is inside, they are most likely to be found in your attic or underneath your house.
The best way to keep scorpions out of your house is to eliminate their food source – other insects.
Check out our previous E-Book tips on preventing other bugs from invading your home. These tips will double as a method to keep scorpions away.
If you find a scorpion inside your house, it’s best to kill it right away. Move quickly, because they can quickly dart under a crevice or crack where they’ll be hard to kill.
If you are wearing closed-toed shoes, you can step on it. Be sure to really squash it – scorpions can be tricky.
If you don’t want that much direct contact, consider using a heavy object like a book. Don’t pick up the dead scorpion with your hands! Use tongs or a shovel to scoop it into a bag before throwing it away.
If you’re like most, and are terrified of scorpions, call a professional if you find one in your home!
For more information on scorpions and other household bugs click the FREE eBook on the right, contact us online, or call us toll free at (800) 314-8813.
Remember, our goal at Larue is to protect the quality of your environment, while preserving the long-term value of your home or business.