Scorpion Control
Scorpions: Nature’s Ancient Hunters
Armored with pincers and armed with venomous stingers, scorpions are some of the oldest predators on the planet. These nocturnal hunters have roamed the Earth for over 400 million years, outlasting the dinosaurs and perfecting the art of survival. While they play an important role in controlling insect populations, finding one creeping into your Los Angeles home is a different story altogether.
Los Angeles County is home to several scorpion species, some harmless and others with painful stings. Scorpions thrive in warm, dry climates, and our region provides the perfect environment for them. But how can you keep these eight-legged invaders out of your space? Let’s explore what draws them in and, more importantly, how to evict them for good.
Signs of a Scorpion Infestation
Spotting a single scorpion might seem like an isolated incident, but there could be more lurking nearby. Here’s how to identify a scorpion infestation:
- Live Sightings: Scorpions are nocturnal, so spotting one during the day could indicate it was disturbed. At night, they come out to hunt, so check your walls, ceilings, and dark corners.
- Scorpion Exoskeletons: Scorpions shed their exoskeletons as they grow. Finding a shed shell means there may be more scorpions nearby.
- Pest Activity: Scorpions feed on insects like crickets, cockroaches, and spiders. If you have an existing pest problem, scorpions may follow.
- Unexpected Stings: Scorpion stings, especially at night, could signal an infestation.
Common Scorpions in Pasadena and Los Angeles County
While the world boasts over 2,500 scorpion species, only a few are known to inhabit Los Angeles homes:
- California Common Scorpion: A light-brown scorpion growing up to 3 inches in length, its sting is painful but not dangerous to humans.
- Arizona Hairy Scorpion: Though found primarily in desert areas, this large scorpion can be seen in the southern parts of Los Angeles County. It’s large (up to 6 inches long!) but less venomous than its smaller cousins, with stings that are painful but not life-threatening.
The Dangers of Scorpions
While not all scorpions in Los Angeles are deadly, their stings can still cause significant discomfort.
- Painful Stings: Scorpion stings in Los Angeles are typically painful, causing localized irritation that can last for hours.
- Venomous Stings: Although scorpions in Los Angeles County are less venomous than other species, some individuals may still experience severe reactions, such as swelling or muscle spasms.
- Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to scorpion venom, which can result in more serious symptoms, such as hives or anaphylaxis. Seek medical attention immediately if severe reactions occur.
Life Cycle & Biology
Scorpions have a fascinating life cycle that contributes to their longevity and resilience.
- Mating: Scorpions typically mate during warm months, often through an elaborate courtship dance where the male and female lock pincers and move together.
- Gestation: Female scorpions give birth to live young, with gestation periods varying from several months to over a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
- Birth: Unlike most arthropods, scorpions give birth to live offspring, known as “scorplings.” The mother carries them on her back for the first week or two until they molt their exoskeleton for the first time.
- Juvenile Development: After the first molt, the scorplings leave their mother and fend for themselves. Scorpions undergo several molts as they grow, shedding their exoskeletons up to seven times before reaching adulthood.
- Lifespan: Scorpions can live anywhere from 3 to 8 years, depending on the species and environmental factors, which is long for an arthropod.
Scorpions are nocturnal hunters, relying on their strong sense of touch and vibration to detect prey. They primarily feed on insects, using their pincers to catch and crush their food, reserving their venomous sting for defense or to subdue larger prey. Despite their numerous eyes, scorpions have poor vision and rely more on sensory hairs on their legs to navigate their environment.
How Do Scorpions Get Inside?
Scorpions are skilled at finding their way indoors, especially during the hot, dry summers in Los Angeles County. Here’s how they typically enter homes:
- Cracks and Gaps: Scorpions can squeeze through tiny cracks in your foundation, around windows, doors, and vents.
- Plumbing and Drainage: Scorpions may enter homes through plumbing pipes or under sinks in search of water.
- Outdoor Clutter: Wood piles, rocks, and overgrown plants near the foundation of your home provide the perfect habitat for scorpions.
What Attracts Scorpions to Your Home?
Your Los Angeles home might be attracting scorpions without you even knowing it. Here’s what draws them in:
- Moisture: Scorpions need water to survive. Leaks, standing water, or high humidity in your home can invite them inside.
- Other Pests: Scorpions prey on insects like roaches, crickets, and spiders. If you have an infestation of these pests, scorpions may soon follow.
- Shelter: Scorpions seek out dark, undisturbed places such as basements, attics, and closets.
5 Fascinating Facts About Scorpions
- They Glow Under UV Light: Scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, making them easy to spot with a blacklight—a handy trick for Los Angeles scorpion hunters!
- Ancient Survivors: Scorpions have survived for over 400 million years, outlasting many other species.
- They Can Go Months Without Food: Scorpions can survive for long periods without food, making them particularly hardy.
- Scorpions Give Live Birth: Unlike most arthropods, scorpions give birth to live young, which stay on the mother’s back until they are ready to be on their own.
- They Prefer to Avoid Conflict: Scorpions would rather escape than sting and often use their pincers first to defend themselves.
Tips for Controlling Scorpions in Los Angeles
If you’re tired of seeing scorpions around your home, here’s how to reduce their numbers:
- Reduce Moisture: Fix leaks and ensure proper drainage to eliminate the damp conditions that attract scorpions.
- Clear Outdoor Clutter: Remove wood piles, debris, and overgrown plants near your home’s foundation to eliminate potential hiding spots.
- Use Blacklight Detection: Use a UV blacklight at night to spot and remove scorpions from your yard or home.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and the foundation. Seal them to block scorpions from entering.
- Pest Control: Eliminate the insects that scorpions feed on, such as roaches, spiders, and crickets, to cut off their food source.
Why You Should Let Professionals Handle Scorpions
Scorpions are resilient creatures that require targeted control methods. At Pasadena Pest Control, our technicians are experienced in eliminating scorpions and preventing them from coming back. Our expert team knows how to locate scorpions, understand their behavior, and apply the most effective treatments. We use proven solutions that are safe for your family and pets while eliminating scorpions and their prey.
Safety First
“Is it Safe?”
At Pasadena Pest Control, we keep the safety of your family and pets at the forefront of our minds as we plan and work, doing so with minimal disruption to your daily life. We apply chemicals according to the label, which in California is among the strictest and safest in the nation. We take into account your pets and plants, your family and the features specific to your property. At Pasadena Pest Control, we are well-trained on safety procedures, eco-consciousness and educating our customers. And yes, we are licensed, bonded and insured.
When you work with us, you will always know what to expect, how to be prepared, when we are coming, when we’ve started and when we’re done. In short, we provide The Service We’d Want in Your Shoes.
Ready to Get Rid of Scorpions for Good? If you’re dealing with scorpions in Pasadena and the surrounding area, don’t wait! Contact Pasadena Pest Control, and we’ll help you reclaim your home from these stinging intruders.
Home Protection Plan
This pest is considered a “General Pest” and is covered under our General Pest Home Protection Plan. For more information on our Home Protection Plan, see here.
Call Pasadena Pest Control—Because Chasing Roaches at 2 A.M. is So Last Season
Let’s face it, chasing down oriental roaches in your basement at midnight is not how you want to spend your time. Call Pasadena Pest Control, and we’ll handle these pests faster than you can say, “Why does my house smell like old gym socks?” Time to get serious about your roach problem—give us a shout today!
Questions Others are asking
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Scorpions prefer dry, warm climates and often hide under rocks, in woodpiles, or within crevices. Indoors, they may be found in basements or garages.
Some scorpions have venomous stings that can cause pain or allergic reactions. In rare cases, a sting can be more serious and require medical attention.
Seal entry points, clear debris from around the home, and use weather stripping on doors and windows.