Scorpions are some of the oldest animals on Earth, dating back some 430 million years ago. Scorpions have fascinated people for millennia and have played an important role in some old civilizations’ mythologies. They even had a zodiac sign named after them; Scorpio. They might look like crayfish and crabs, but they are more closely related to ticks, mites and spiders. All scorpions are venomous but only about 25 species are known to have venom that can actually kill a human. You may be surprised to learn that some scorpions poison is 100,000 more powerful than cyanide. The death rate is so low because the dose of venom injected by a scorpion is typically very small.
Interesting Facts About Bark Scorpions
California and Arizona have the greatest diversity of scorpions with about 60 species. The bark scorpion is a species frequently found in Southern California. This scorpion is one of the smaller ones, with a total body length of 1 inch to about 2 ½ – 3 inches. The males are a little longer and thinner. They are usually light orange or reddish in color with two darker longitudinal stripes on their backs and a dark triangular mark on their head. Scorpions have two pincers, or claws that they use to hold prey while they eat. They also have a long tail with a stinger on the tip to defend themselves or to paralyze prey. Even though they can have 6 to 12 eyes, they have poor vision and will use scent and ground vibrations to locate prey.
How Long Does a Scorpion Sting Last?
Scorpions will sting when they feel threatened or need to eat. The venom is transmitted through a barb in its tail, sort of like a hypodermic needle. Some will describe the sting of a scorpion like stepping on a nail. Others will describe it as numbness and burning or throbbing waves of pain and swelling. Local reactions typically last 7 to 10 days. If you’ve been unlucky enough to get stung by a scorpion;
• Use soap and water to wash the area around the sting
• Take jewelry off if it’s near the sting site, as there may be swelling
• Apply and ice pack or a cool cloth to ease the burning sensation
• Take pain medication or an antihistamine, if necessaryt
• Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin as they can spread the venom through the body faster
• Do not try and suck the venom out of the sting site. This will only increase the chances you’ll get an infection and it will not improve the outcome in any way.
• If the pain doesn’t go away within a few hours, if the sting site swells more or there are other symptoms, you may be having an allergic reaction. You need to get medical attention right away.
Scorpion Inspections, Control & More in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside & San Diego Counties, California
Your yard or home will be more prone to scorpions if they can find insects to eat. If you want scorpions to stay away, then you need to keep potential food sources away. Practice general pest prevention, eliminate piles of wood, apply weather stripping to doors and windows and seal any openings they might use to get inside. Call Animal Pest Management Services for professional help.