All About The Striped Scorpion

Many people are familiar scorpions, as these creatures have been in multiple movies and TV shows. They're often portrayed as dangerous, however, most types of scorpions aren't nearly as potent as Hollywood portrays them to be. Scorpions are one of the earth's oldest land-dwelling organisms, as fossil records show they have been around for more than 400 million years. Although there are several species of scorpions found in the United States, in Missouri, the only naturally occurring species is the striped scorpion.

Striped scorpions vary in color from yellowish to tan. They have two broad black stripes on the upper surface of the abdomen and a dark triangular mark on the front portion of the head. They're nocturnal, but can be seen during the day if they're disturbed from their hiding spot. Although the striped scorpion has a stinger, they rarely sting humans except when they're cornered or pinned. Most scorpions' stings are about the equivalent of a wasp or bee. However, there are some scorpions that do have a lethal sting like the yellow scorpion or "death stalker" that lives in the Middle East.

Scorpions typically hide during the day and are active at night. Although they are usually found in drier habitats, they require moisture and may be attracted to moist areas. They tend to live under boards, stones or other objects like beneath loose bark on trees and logs. They tend to not like extremely high temperatures, so during the summer, they may enter the living areas of a home seeking relief from the heat.

Scorpions tend to hunt for food at night and often prey on pests such as spiders, cockroaches, ants, crickets, beetles and butterflies. They will grab the prey with their pincers and sometimes use their stinger to subdue it. A hungry scorpion may even tackle small mice and lizards.

The best way to keep scorpions from seeking shelter in your home is to remove any piles of trash, stones, boards, firewood and tree limbs. It's also best to seal up any points of entry such as siding, windows, doors, pipes and wires.

Our Lake of the Ozarks pest control technicians can help you with any of the pests infecting the Lake area from spiders to scorpions. If you're ready to have a pest free home, call A B Pest Control & Insulation at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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