Scorpions

Scorpions: The definitive guide and how to eliminate them

Scorpions are, by far, one of the bugs most feared by all, not only for their terrifying appearance, but also for how ferocious they can become if they decide to use their sting to defend themselves.

These animals have become authentic survivors, since they have existed for more than 400 years, adapting to the environment.

Thus, it does not matter if it is desert and semi-arid regions, or humid and cold places, scorpions can appear wherever they want and without any problem, making their burrows with total ease.

Of course, nobody wants to have to deal with any of these bugs, much less because of the immense danger they represent.

For this reason, it is important to know everything about these animals and be prepared for an unexpected invasion.

So we have devised the definitive guide of the scorpions and some tips to eliminate them, to solve this concern.

What are scorpions?

It is about bugs belonging to the family of arachnids, where there are also ticks and spiders.

Usually, they are related to desert and semi-arid zones, although their adaptive capacity allows them to be almost everywhere.

Whether in the Brazilian jungle or in the Himalayas, these animals manage to adapt to the environment and survive.

Many people confuse them with the classic spiders by the similarity in their appearance, more it is different bugs.

The main discrepancy is in the tail of the scorpions, whose sting contains a powerful poison that they use to immobilize their prey and devour it.

Ants, spiders, centipedes, lizards and even small rodents are part of the diet of these peculiar and lethal bichillos.

In addition to their tail, they have some hairs that work as sensors and detect the vibrations of their prey.

When attacking, the scorpions inject a kind of toxin that affects the nervous system of the prey.

Once in their possession, these bugs suck all the victim’s liquids and discard the solid waste.

When it comes to their survival, scorpions often dig caves of even a meter in depth, depending on the aridity of the terrain, which usually corresponds to humid areas and pleasant temperatures.

Generally, their hiding places usually host a single scorpion, although these bugs usually walk in pairs.

They tend to be more active at night, but can be seen during the day in areas with humid and cool weather.

Why do scorpions appear?

As we have already mentioned, these terrible arachnids can settle and live in hundreds of places.

Most of the time, scorpions prefer to hide under pieces of firewood, rocks and debris.

However, some of these pests are also usually located on vertical surfaces, such as trees, shrubs and walls.

Other species have the habit of staying in their burrows throughout the day, usually under the ground.

Now, since you know all this, you’re probably wondering: why do scorpions come out?

If it is still unclear, some of the main reasons why these animals tend to appear are:

The high temperatures

Believe it or not, the number of arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions, tends to increase in hot seasons.

And it is that these poisonous plagues are attracted by warm climates, which favor their development and proliferation.

For this reason, during the warmer months of the year, you must keep your doors closed and the windows sealed.

If you do not, these little animals can sneak into your house and attack when you least expect it.

Piles of rubble in the vicinity

Having inside or outside the house, having piles of wood, stones, bricks, etc., is not a good idea.

The mounds of rubble are the perfect hiding place for scorpions, who go in search of dark places to live.

So, if you have garbage remains piled up there, it is very likely that these bugs appear.

Presence of moisture, cracks and fissures

Moisture is an attractive factor for scorpions, who often scurry through the cracks and crevices they manage to find.

Thus, they can go unnoticed, hiding between the cracks in the walls and even in the cracks of the furniture.

Types or species of scorpions

Believe it or not, there are hundreds of species of scorpions around the world, each with very particular characteristics.

Some of these bugs, such as the albino scorpion, do not have eyes, while others, like the scorpion without a tail, do not have a poison and resemble more a spider than a scorpion.

Certain species prefer tropical forests, while others like to settle in areas of dry or desert sands.

In short, there are hundreds and hundreds of types of scorpions that can be found hanging around, among which we have:

Albino scorpion

Usually inhabit inside the caves. It has a characteristic white color and does not have eyes.

Black scorpion

It is found in the tropical areas of the Asian continent and likes to settle among the natural debris.

Blue scorpion

It is present almost everywhere, except on the European continent. It inhabits forests, savannas and semi-arid regions.

Emperor scorpion

It is one of the largest species and can live for approximately 8 years.

Yellow scorpion

Considered one of the most poisonous species, it is also known as golden or desert scorpion.

Red claw scorpion

It is potentially dangerous and is most often found in the tropical rainforest of the African continent.

Lesser brown scorpion

It has a preference for tropical climate zones, so it is very easily found in Hawaii.

Sand scorpion

This species has a preference for dry sand areas, such as those found in the southwestern United States.

Whip scorpion

It is found in tropical and subtropical areas, has a carnivorous tendency and is usually active mainly at night.

Tailless whip scorpion

Due to its appearance, it is considered a kind of hybrid between a scorpion and a spider.

Scorpion sting

Scorpions often use their bite as a self-defense device or to immobilize their prey and devour it.

As for the damage they can cause, this depends to a large extent on the type of scorpion in question.

Sometimes, the sting may be mild like that of a bee sting, accompanied by moderate pain.

Such is the case of the emperor scorpion who, although not aggressive, can attack if he feels threatened.

However, certain species have such a lethal poison that they can kill with their bite.

Thus, for example, the sting of the Australian scorpion is one of the most lethal that has been recorded.

Children, elderly people and people with immune system problems often succumb to the bite of this animal.

Another of the most poisonous species is the scorpion of the desert, also called yellow scorpion, for the hue it has.

Its bite can produce symptoms such as fever, seizures, tachycardia, high blood pressure and increased bronchial secretions.

If you are the victim of a scorpion sting, keep calm and follow these tips:

Wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water.
Apply a cold compress to soothe the inflammation.
In case the symptoms get worse, go to a specialist doctor.

Are scorpions dangerous?

There is no doubt that scorpions are, by far, one of the most dangerous bugs that exist.

This is mainly due to the poison they carry inside their venom, which they use to immobilize their prey.

In the case of people, when they are bitten by a scorpion, the effect is not the same.

However, some may experience mild numbness, while others may even die from poisoning.

And, when scorpions sting, they release a toxin composed of neurotoxic proteins, which give rise to symptoms such as: discomfort, burning, swelling of the affected area, numbness, tingling and muscle cramps.

Therefore, as soon as a scorpion sting is known, the appropriate treatment should be applied to avoid further complications.

As for the most dangerous bite of these vermin, this corresponds to the dreaded scorpion of the bark.

The poison in its venom tends to produce numbness and tingling of the extremities, muscle spasms and diffuse vision.

There may also be involuntary movements of the eyeballs and, in some cases, signs of hyperactivity.

While the sting of a scorpion is quite dangerous, very few people die because of it.

However, older adults, children and people with weak immune systems often succumb to its fearsome attack.

How to eliminate scorpions?

If you are experiencing a problem with scorpions at home and do not know how to eliminate them, try the following tips:

Get rid of all the debris

To eliminate these pests, the first thing you should do is not give them space to stay.

As we have already mentioned, these little bugs love to squeeze between the garbage piles, where they are not very visible.

Therefore, if you have pieces of firewood, scrap metal and all kinds of material stacked there, it will be better to remove them.

Do not forget to wear protective gloves, so, if you come across a scorpion, you can avoid its sting.

Prune the lawn and keep it low

If your garden is full of very dense, high grass, you are less likely to spot the scorpions.

The best thing to do is to mow the lawn and keep it low, always wearing gloves and proper boots to protect yourself.

Use mosquito nets and cover cracks and crevices

If you have cracks or crevices at home, try to fill them completely to prevent these pests from hiding there.

Also, put mosquito netting on the windows and other openings, and you’ll be blocking these bichillos.

Get rid of the food sources of these bugs

We have mentioned that scorpions feed mostly on other insects, such as ants, crickets and cockroaches.

If you are looking to have them out of the house, it is best to eliminate all those food sources that could attract them.

Seek professional help

If the problem is more serious than you thought, do not hesitate to call the pest control specialist.

An expert in the field may indicate the most appropriate treatment for your home, keeping you safe from scorpions.

Home remedies to eradicate scorpions

If you are looking for an easier and cheaper solution to eliminate scorpions, these home remedies can be of great help:

Garlic spray

You have already heard that garlic is a powerful repellent for many insects, and it is also quite accessible.

To make the remedy, you just have to take a garlic head and place it in a bottle of water.

Let it marinate for a couple of hours and then spray the mixture through the doors and windows. This will asphyxiate the pests, forcing them to retreat to never again return.

If you do not have garlic at home, you can replace it with a leaf from the neem tree and it will have the same effect.

Borax

This is one of the most effective and affordable natural poisons to kill scorpions.

You only need to spread a little dust wherever you see a scorpion, and you will see how it disappears from it.

More tricks to kill the scorpions

If all the above has not worked for you, do not worry! Here you will find more tricks to fight the scorpions.

Burn them

It may seem quite cruel, but it is a sure way to eliminate them and avoid being bitten.

Take the animal with tweezers and always wearing gloves, and then cut his poison or sting.

Sprinkle some alcohol and fire it to finish it off.

Plant lavender plants

If you have a garden, you can plant lavender plants to repel these pests, since their aroma will be repellent.

Also, you can combine your detergents to disinfect the house with lavender oil and it will be equally useful.

Use your pets

Believe it or not, pets can help capture these annoying animals, especially cats.

However, you should bear in mind that they may also be affected by their poison if they catch them.

Now that you know everything about scorpions and how to eliminate them, you can keep them away from you and yours.

But if you still can not get rid of these terrible animals, contact a specialist in pest control.

He will be in charge of evaluating your case and giving you the best tools to put an end to these annoying vermin.

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