Scorpion Fundamentals

Before I could effectively combat my scorpion problem, I had to learn the fundamentals of Scorpions. I was so motivated by my scorpion obsession that I learned all I could, and became an expert on scorpions. I want to help you understand the basics about scorpions so we can help you rid your  home of these pests.

Scorpion Basics

Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping pedipalps (arms) and the narrow, segmented tail, carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger.

Scorpions are widespread and can be found on all continents except Antarctica.

An outer layer on the body of scorpions makes them fluorescent green under ultraviolet light and the reason is not fully understood by scientists.

Life Cycle

Scorpions have a variable lifespan ranging from 2-8 years on average. They are nocturnal, finding shelter during the day in the relative cool of underground holes or undersides of rocks, and coming out at night to hunt and feed.  Arboreal (tree-dwelling) scorpions often find their shelter in vegetation or the man-made caves of our block fences and walls of our homes.

Birth and Offspring

• Newborns are birthed live (not hatched from eggs).
• They climb on mother’s back for 3-14 days and remain there until first molt

Other notable reproductive characteristics include:

• Litter average is 20, but could be 7-42.
• Gestation period believed to be 2-5 months +/-.
• Scorpions can birth year round, but common May-October.
• Females will readily court when young are on their back.

Hunting Habits

Scorpions are opportunistic predators of small arthropods and insects, who use their pincers to catch prey initially. Depending on the toxicity of their venom and size of their claws, they will then either crush the prey or inject it with venom.  Scorpions of smaller species, such as the bark scorpion, have stronger venom to compensate for their physical weakness compared to larger species.

Scorpions are fierce and effective predators, yet can survive many months without food. Scorpions are cannibalistic, can catch flying insects and don’t typically have a food shortage around residential properties.

Scorpion Activity

Scorpions are nocturnal and “time minimizers” with low levels of surface movement. The total subsurface (hidden) scorpion population is quite large. This means for every one scorpion that is actively out and moving, there are many, many more that are not active and hidden. Scorpion activity level increases or decreases based on a number of  factors:

INCREASE

• higher temperatures
• spring and fall
• new moon phase (dark)
• higher humidity levels
• first few hours of the night

DECREASE

• low temperatures
• winter and mid-summer
• full moon
• lower humidity levels
• daytime

Scorpion Senses

• Very poor eyesight
• Good hearing
• Strong sense of touch
• Body hairs excellent at detecting the slightest air and ground vibrations

Danger to Humans

Most scorpions are relatively harmless to humans; stings produce only local effects (such as pain, numbness or swelling). A few scorpion species, such as the Arizona Bark Scorpion, can be dangerous to humans. Bark Scorpions have adapted well to the urban environment as the city has grown. Look for scorpions in:

• Trees and Vegetation
• Cinder block walls
• Wood, Block and Brick Frame homes and other structures

Bark Scorpions also:

• Aggregate and are NOT territorial like other species of scorpions
• Follow pheromones of other scorpions

If you are experiencing issues with scorpions in your home in Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, or any other Arizona location, learn the basics and then have an expert help you get control of the situation with interior and exterior scorpion control services. We can help you get scorpions out and keep them out!

Written By:
Georgia Clubb – Seal Out Scorpions
gclubb@sealoutscorpions.com
www.sealoutscorpions.com