San Antonio has a reputation for being a cultural melting pot. Its people are rich in both culture and history. This unique blend of San Antonio’s citizens makes it a cultural hot spot in Texas. Boasting more than 300 days of sunshine annually, San Antonio is also a hot spot for pests. Because scorpions have adapted to people living around them, they are quite comfortable living in San Antonio’s glorious city.
Brown Bark Scorpions In The San Antonio Area
The brown bark scorpion lives in the San Antonio area. Their color varies in shade from yellowish-brown to tan. They have four pairs of legs and a pair of pincers. The scorpion’s body ranges from 2 to 4 inches long. They have no antennae, but they do have a segmented, long tail with a stinger at the end.
Scorpions are not fans of extremely cold and hot weather. Since they are typically found in deserts and semi-arid regions, during times of hot, dry weather, they may seek out water and a more inviting environment. Scorpions must manage their temperature and water balance in extremely dry environments to survive. In the outdoors, they can typically be found in burrows (during the day), under rocks, logs, and other debris in your yard.
Scorpions can survive for months without food as long as they have a water source. When these predators do have “meat” options available, they are known to feast on spiders, crickets, cockroaches, and if they get desperate, they will even consume other scorpions.
Problems Associated With A Scorpion Sting
Scorpions use a venom-filled stinger to strike their victim. It strikes out of defense or as a way to kill its prey. Generally, people stung by a scorpion will experience mild symptoms that are similar to a bee sting; however, the bark scorpion is extremely dangerous and can cause severe symptoms. Because the bark scorpion’s venom can deliver high levels of lethal venom, young children and older adults are more likely to experience serious complications. If a person is stung by a brown bark scorpion, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Symptoms to watch out for after a sting are as follows:
- A burning or tingling sensation
- Twitching muscles
- Convulsions
- Difficulty breathing
- Localized swelling and redness at the site of the sting
Keeping Scorpions Away From Your San Antonio Yard
During extremely hot weather, scorpions will often attempt to enter homes to take shelter from the heat. They look for any opening that will provide relief from the heat and get them to a water source.
Some possible entry points are as follows:
- Damaged windows or torn screens
- Holes and cracks in building exteriors
- Poorly fitted garage and entry doors
Until you see it with your own eyes or get stung, scorpions do not leave any noticeable traces that they have moved into your home. If a scorpion has gained access to your home and finds food and moisture sources suitable for its survival, it will stay long-term. This can result in an infestation.
Because scorpions can be quite nasty when they are cornered or feel threatened, getting rid of them should be left to professionals. At White Knight Pest Control, our team of professionals is committed to protecting your home from pests. We offer same-day service whenever possible and have a variety of general pest control options to suit your needs and your budget. White Knight Pest Control is ready to rescue you from your scorpion problems. Reach out to us today to learn more!