There are three scorpion species you might come across in the Auburn, Alabama, area. These species are the striped-tail scorpion, the giant hairy scorpion, and the most common of the three, the barn scorpion. Each of these scorpions can be identified as such:
- Striped-tail scorpions have a yellow-brown body with dark stripes on their tail and a darker stinger. They grow between two to three inches in length, with the female being more significant than males. Striped-tail scorpions can often be found underneath rocks.
- Giant hairy scorpions are the largest of these three species and all species in the United States, growing up to four inches in length. Their name comes from the dense hair that covers them. This species is a dark brown color with yellowish appendages.
- Bark scorpions grow between two to three inches, have a slender tail, and a yellowish-tan color. As their name suggests, this species can hide in tree bark. While this is one of the most common species, they are also one of the more venomous. If you, a child, or a pet are stung by a bark scorpion, you should seek medical attention.
Most scorpions species, like spiders, are not aggressive but will react if threatened. In general, it is best to avoid these critters and seek assistance if you have been stung. When it comes to scorpions, it is best to try to keep them from coming inside your Auburn home in the first place. You can do this by understanding what attracts them and how they are getting in.
How To Stop Attracting Scorpions
You might be unknowingly attracting scorpions to your property, where they can live comfortably and cause problems while doing so. The factors around your property that are attracting scorpions may also be attracting pest prey. To keep scorpions and the critters they want to eat away, you should:
- Remove harborage points such as excess foliage, woodpiles, and other yard debris.
- Reduce moisture on your property by ensuring your yard has proper drainage, using crushed rocks instead of mulch, and fixing any leaks.
- Remove any food that might be attracting pest prey, such as fallen and rotting fruit, easily accessible garbage and compost bins, and any other food that might be lying around.
Scorpions are attracted to dark and damp places, so you should try to limit the shaded areas around your property. However, you should keep in mind that many of the pests that scorpions eat are attracted to light, so you may not want to utilize bright outdoor lights to keep scorpions away.
How To Keep Scorpions Out
Reducing the factors that attract scorpions to your property is only half the battle. You also need to identify and seal off any potential entry points. Doing this will help prevent accidental entry by these unwanted pests. To do this, you should:
- Make sure you have screens and weather stripping on all exterior doors and windows.
- Seal the spaces around doors and windows with caulking.
- Keep the doors and windows closed as often as possible.
- Inspect the foundation and exterior walls of your home and seal them. Even the smallest cracks should be taken care of as scorpions, and prey pests can easily get in through these tiny openings.
How To Keep Scorpions Away For Good
Our last and most effective tip for keeping scorpions away is ongoing professional pest control assistance. If you live in Auburn, Alabama, and are tired of dealing with scorpions and other pests, you should contact us at Prewett Pest Control. We offer several customizable home pest control plans for you to choose. This will allow you to receive the services that are right for your home and your budget.
Don’t wait; give us a call at Prewett Pest Control today to learn more about our pest control offerings.