Scorpions
Texas is home to some 18-different species of scorpions. World-wide there are some 1,500 species of scorpions some of which can kill an adult human. The good news for Bryan and College Station is that none of the scorpions in Texas have venom that will kill a human. Even still, their sting feels like that of a large wasp. It hurts, and can produce an allergic reaction in some people that is life threatening.
The Beneficial Role of Texas Scorpions
Scorpions are in the same group as are spiders. They are arachnids and they offer a substantial benefit to homeowners. These are nocturnal predators that hunt and eat many insects, ground spiders, and other critters that also invade Texas homes. Some of the large scorpions also kill mice and small rodents. The short of it is that scorpions provide an eco-benefit to homeowners, but who wants to live with them? Not very many people want them in their homes or around their yards.
Scorpion Facts
Birthing – Female scorpions give birth to live babies. Whereas most arthropods lay eggs, the scorpion fetus – if you will – develop in a sac and receives food from the mother or from a yoke or sometimes both. Female can have anywhere from 10-100 babies at a time and she cares for them from the time they are born until they shed the first time. Until they do, they ride around on their mother’s back and enjoy her full protection.
Lifespan – some species live for a full decade while others may only survive a few years.
Danger Levels – Texas scorpions are not listed as medically dangerous unless you have an allergic reaction to their venom – much the way people do with bee and wasp stings. Their sting, however, is very painful and can cause bruising and swelling around the injection site. A general rule of thumb to judge the potency of scorpion venom is to look at the size of their pinchers. The smaller the pinchers the more toxic the venom. This is because it requires less strength and grip to hold prey before it is subdued. Just keep in mind that this is a general rule and not true of every scorpion. The deadliest scorpion in the US is the Bark Scorpion which is not found in Texas, but in Arizona.
Why Are Scorpions in The House?
The biggest reason that scorpions move in with you is that they need shelter. They may come in looking for water, but they take in fluid from their pray rather than rely on water. This is one of the reasons that they are successful in desert-like habitats. In the wild, many scorpions dig burrows or they will use the abandoned burrow of other creatures like tortoises. Two things that you can do to help reduce the risk of scorpions getting into your home is to make sure that all windows have screens and that doors have tight fitting insulation and guards between the door and the jam.
If you have a large population of scorpions around your yard or in your home, just reach out to our team and arrange for pest control service. We serve the entire area of Bryan and College Station, Texas.
