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A Newsletter of the Tatum Highlands Community Association

PEST OF THE SEASON: SCORPIONS

By Karen Blue

Tatum Highlands Communications Committee


Our warm weather months bring with them an increase in scorpions. Following are some tips to reduce/prevent scorpions in and around your home:

  • Turn off the lights after the sun has gone down and shine a blacklight on piles of linens, in your pantry, and other dark and quiet places scorpions may be hiding. Scorpion’s exoskeletons glow under the blacklight, making them easier to detect and get rid of before they have a chance to sting.

  • Seal cracks and crevices. It is not necessary to seal all cracks and crevices. Start by caulking around roof eaves, pipes, electrical face plates, and any other cracks that allow entrance into the home.

  • Install weatherstripping around loose-fitting doors and windows.

  • Make sure window and attic vent screens fit tightly in the window frame and keep the screens in good repair.

  • Reduce clutter and use good sanitation practices.

  • Clean the yard by removing all trash, logs, boards, stones, bricks, and other objects from around the foundation of the home.

  • Prune overhanging tree branches away from the house, because they can provide a path to the roof for scorpions.

  • Keep grass closely mowed and minimize low-growing ground cover vegetation next to buildings.

  • Don't store firewood inside the house; bring in only wood to be directly placed on the fire and check for scorpions before bringing the wood inside.

  • Outdoor lights attract insects and thus the scorpions that feed on insects. Yellow outdoor lighting is less attractive to insects and is recommended in areas where scorpions are prevalent.

  • Don't leave shoes, boots, clothing items, or wet towels outdoors where scorpions can hide. Shake towels around the swimming pool. Shake all clothing and shoes before putting them on. Wear gloves when working in the yard. Wear shoes outdoors, especially during the evening hours.

  • And you might consider surrounding your home with diatomaceous earth which is a substance composed of fossilized organisms.



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