Actual Size: 5.5 inchesCharacteristics: One of the largest scorpion species, the desert hairy scorpion is typically yellow, with a dark top. There are fine brown hairs over its body. It also has crab-like pincers, in addition to its stinger.
Behavior:
Desert hairy scorpions prefer hot climates.
They are an active and aggressive species, typically at night.
These scorpions prefer to burrow.
Desert hairy scorpions will not hesitate to sting if provoked.
The sting is comparable to a honey bees, though serious and fatal allergic reactions have been reported.
Scorpions prefer burrowing into the ground and hiding until nightfall. Generally mating in warm weather, the desert is an optimal breeding ground for a scorpion infestation. Once an appropriate burrow is found for mating, female scorpions give birth to a large litter of approximately 25-35 young scorpions. Desert hairy scorpions typically prefer living in the desert, but they will travel into suburban neighborhoods. They are efficient foragers, seeking food and water. Desert hairy scorpions eat a wide variety of food, including insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. These scorpions will live for 7-10 years in the wild, and their continuing contact with human-inhabited areas presents unique concerns.
Problems Caused by Desert Hairy Scorpions
Desert hairy scorpions are bold and aggressive, and they are by no means limited to rural desert areas. If they find areas to hide or burrow in near a food source, they will nest and continue to breed. Scorpions are not afraid of humans and are quick to defend and attack. Although their venom is not typically fatal, humans can have varying degrees of reaction to a sting, including severe allergic reactions. If desert hairy scorpions end up residing in a building or lawn, immediate action is required to prevent a potentially dangerous infestation.
Preventing Desert Hairy Scorpions
Human-occupied areas provide a variety of food, water, and shelter sources for bark scorpions. There are a couple of basic habits that can prevent scorpions around or in a building: reducing clutter, storing items in plastic (not cardboard), removing yard or garage debris, and avoiding leaving items on the ground. If children are present on the property, make sure to teach them to not pick up scorpions. Consider sealing the building, and calling a scorpion control professional to inspect the efficacy of the sealing. Spraying for scorpions is not always effective, and caution should be exercised if a burrow has been found. If scorpion activity is suspected, a black light can be used to find scorpions at night, as they glow in the dark when exposed to UV light. Pest control experts are trained to provide homeowners with important preventative information and should be relied on for advice or professional help.
Eliminating and Controlling Desert Hairy Scorpions
Desert hairy scorpions are aggressive and active, and if more than one is found in a building, it could indicate an infestation. Scorpions are comfortable in human dwellings or outdoors, and they will do anything to protect themselves, their burrow, or their young. The best approach to eliminating and preventing future problems with desert hairy scorpions is with a professional scorpion exterminator. At Pest Control Inc., our pest control professionals resolve desert hairy scorpion infestations using a variety of different treatment techniques, including state-of-the-art surveillance, removal, and exclusion solutions.
Are you ready to get started with professional scorpion control in your home or business? Call us today!
