Why are scorpions invading more homes this summer?
AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Scorpions are invading homes in Central Texas. According to ABC Home and Commercial Services, their pest control team is seeing a rise in calls for scorpion removals this summer.
"What's happening now is it's getting so hot outside, getting dry, they're seeking a cooler place to go," said Alan Brown, a board certified entomologist with ABC.
Our wet spring is likely also playing a role in the increase in scorpion sightings. "When we've had the storms, they've been, like real drenchers that brings them up to the surface," said Dave Moellendorf with Zookeeper Exotic Pets.
Moellendorf has spent decades studying arachnids. He got his start after discovering a species of spider on the US-Mexico border. Now he manages Zookeeper and breeds a variety of exotic spiders and scorpions.
"The things that scare me in this world, or that bother me in this world are things like cilantro and asparagus. Not any of this kind of stuff," he said while handling a scorpion the size of a sparrow.
There are 19 breeds of scorpions in Texas, two of which can be found in Central Texas. The cave scorpion is frequently found along the greenbelt, preferring the deep dark cracks of the area.
The common striped bark scorpion is the one you most likely have seen. They are numerous and love crawling into our homes.
Keeping scorpions out of our homes
Scorpions comes out when the weather warms up, but dry hot weather (which we've had lately) drives them to search for cooler air and water. That's when they enter our homes.
"During the day they hang out under rocks or try to stay somewhere that's nice and cool," Brown said. They can't tell the difference between a rock and a house, which is why they come indoors. They're just like us, wanting to enjoy the warm weather but only so much.
To keep them out of your home, Brown recommends sealing any cracks. Replacing weather stripping can help, but so can caulking any holes in your walls.
Pest prevention can also work, not only killing off scorpions but also the insects they feed on. However, Brown said that common pesticides are more easily avoided by arachnids. A special treatment may be required if scorpions become a problem.
Another thing you can do, trim your branches. "These guys are good climbers," Brown said.
Moellendorf said they can climb up branches overhanging homes, drop off into the attic and make their way into the home.
Finally, if they keep getting in, buy a black light. Scorpions glow in the dark when exposed to a black light.
"When you get up during the night to go to the bathroom, or to go to the kitchen or whatever you're doing in the dark, they will glow. They fluoresce. They will fluoresce a very brilliant green color. And so you can see them in the dark," Moellendorf said.
What do you do if stung by a scorpion?
Luckily, the scorpions in our area do not have an overly toxic sting. However, you or your pet could be allergic to the venom.
"If you start having trouble breathing or swallowing, or you start having tingling on the tongue, or numbness in the face, time to go get checked out by the doctor and be safe," Moellendorf said.