TREATMENT FOR SCORPIONS
Although the rural desert is the scorpion's natural habitat, they do not stay contained to the desert. Scorpions tend to find their way into residential areas all throughout southern Nevada, with the Las Vegas being the hot zone, making scorpions one of the most common pests in the valley. Hence, why Allied specializes in scorpion extermination.
What do scorpions look like?
Most people identify scorpions by their tail that curves up over their back with a stinger at the end used for paralyzing pray, with large front claws used to capture pray. Scorpions are predators and a type of arachnid, which means they are related to spiders, mites, and ticks. Scorpions are known for having poor vision but are exceptional hunters. When hunting, they rely on touch and vibrations to locate prey. They come in a wide range of colors, including yellow, brown, reddish-brown, and black.
Bark Scorpion
Physical Characteristics:
- Pale yellow to brown
- 2-3 inches long
- 2 broad, dark, lengthwise bands on the surface of the abdomen
- Dark, triangular shape on the front portion of their head
Behavior:
- Tend to climb vertically
- Fearful of light
- Prefer to congregate in large groups
- Feeds on spiders, small lizards and other scorpions
Danger:
- High. Emergency medical attention is required if stung
Fun Fact:
- Babies ride on their mother’s back for 7-21 days
Stripe tail Scorpion
Physical Characteristics:
- Color ranges from tan to golden brown
- Typically under 3 inches long
- Distinguishing feature: dark stripes along body & tail
Behavior:
- Feeds on small invertebrates, including other scorpions, crickets, mealworms, and roaches
- Seeks out as much moisture as possible
Danger:
- Low. A sting from a Stripe tail scorpion is not medically significant, despite their venomous nature. It is still best practice to keep a safe distance and call us
Fun Fact:
- Males attract females through a courtship dance, and mothers give birth to 1-100 babies in a single brood
Giant Hairy Scorpion
Physical Characteristics:
- Dark shiny exoskeleton covered in short, fine hairs with large tail and barb
- Largest species of scorpion in the US; Can grow up to 7 inches in length
Behavior:
- Aggressive and active
- Can burrow in the ground up to 8 feet
- Feeds on insects, lizards and small mammals
Danger:
- Medium. The venom from a Giant Hairy Scorpion is generally not strong enough to cause serious harm. However, their stings can be painful and cause swelling, redness and itching. Allergic reactions to the venom can be fatal.
Fun Facts:
- Male scorpions can sometimes be eaten by the female after breeding
Vinegaroons
Physical Characteristics:
- Brown/black in color
- Spider-like in appearance
- Measure no more than 3.3 inches in length
- Aka “whip scorpions” due to their whiplike tails
Behavior:
- Burrow in decomposing materials and organic materials
- When startled or disturbed, they expel a combination of acids that smell like vinegar. This acid can be accurately projected up to a meter away
- Feed on beetles, caterpillars, ants, flies, crickets
Danger:
- Low. Vinegaroons rarely sting humans (only when they feel threatened). A Vinegaroon sting is not venomous, but can be especially painful due to the acidic spray released
Fun Fact:
- The Vinegaroon does not have a stinger! Only their “whip-like” tail which is used as both a sensory organ and for defense