What You Have Always Wanted To Know About The Scorpions In Austin

The summer heat is making our Austin neighborhoods green. While nature grants us warmth, beauty, and plenty of relaxation, it also gives rise to opportunistic pests. Scorpions are among the many hunters drawn out in summer by the higher activities of their prey. Austin pest control specialists want you to know more about this fascinating and potentially dangerous arachnid.

Types Of Scorpions

Texas hosts an array of scorpions. From the cumulative 2,000 species around the globe, we see approximately 20 of them in our state. The main types of scorpions in Austin are:

• Striped bark scorpion

• Texas cave scorpion

• Lesser stripetail scorpion

• Lindo scorpion

• Straight-faced solifugid scorpion

• Florida bark scorpion

The two you’re most likely to encounter in Austin are the striped bark scorpion and the Texas cave scorpion. The striped bark scorpion is pale-yellow, slender, and has streaks of dark brown along its abdomen. Highly different in appearance, the Texas cave scorpion is dark-brown or blackish. Both of these species can sting you, but their venom isn’t enough to worry anyone. It will hurt, but it normally doesn’t warrant serious medical attention. At EnviroGuard, we want you to play it safe and remind you that some people are highly allergic to their venom.

Don’t Accidentally Attract Scorpions

Most scorpions in Texas are nocturnal. They hunt for insects at night while laying low to regulate their temperature during hot days, meaning they like to hide and seek out cool places, including air-conditioned homes. To prevent scorpions from hunting on your property, you can:

• Clear out all debris, brush, and unnecessary rocks that allow them to hide during the day.

• Make sure your firewood is far from the house and raised on a platform separating it from the ground.

• Mow your grass so owls and other predators who like eating scorpions can see them.

• Get rid of any stagnant water in your yard.

• Turn outside lights off at night, so insects aren’t attracted to your property. 

Scorpions need to hydrate as well as eat. Make sure pools of water aren’t collecting in the yard to let them hang out longer than usual.

Six Facts About Scorpions You Probably Didn’t Know

Many people love keeping scorpions as pets. Intrigue with these arachnids stems from their peculiar behavior and some natural features that are still mysterious to scientists today. Fun facts about scorpions include:

1. Ultraviolet light makes them glow, which helps you find them in the yard. 

2. They give birth to live offspring, not eggs. 

3. Their lifespan can range from two to ten years, with domestically kept scorpions living up to 25 years.

4. They can live underwater for 48 hours and live without food for an entire year.

5. Before mating, scorpions perform a highly engaging dance. In captivity, the female will take advantage of the exhausted male and eat him. This is not often the case in the wild because food is more abundant. 

6. Species that resemble contemporary scorpions have existed for over 300 million years. Different kinds of scorpions 420 million years ago probably had gills.

With such unique traits and a keen ability to survive, scorpions have garnered interest from scientists and pet owners alike. And the mystery also makes them that much scarier when you see them hanging out in your home.

Total Scorpion Control For Austin Residents

Scorpions can startle you with their mere presence. And if they are hiding in places you weren’t expecting, they will defend themselves and sting you. If you’re worried about scorpions or any other pests, consider calling us at EnviroGuard. 

We have helped Austin homeowners and commercial businesses protect against all Texas pests year-round. We offer same-day inspections and tailor our pest control services to your needs after thoroughly evaluating the property. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.