Scorpion Control in Southern, CA

Scorpions have so many unique features that it’s easy to pretend they were invented by a nine-year-old: “They’ll have eight legs AND a big stinger AND huge claws AND two – no! – five sets of eyes…” They’re pretty much like insect superheroes, but they become supervillains as soon as you find one in your home.

Similar to spiders, scorpions are more likely to scare than cause harm. For the most part, they’re reclusive, nocturnal and skittish; they prefer chilling under rocks to stinging humans. But scorpions will sting if they feel threatened, and – given the toxicity of their venom – they should not be welcome in your home.

There are over 70 species of scorpions in the United States.

The three most common scorpions in Southern California are:

Arizona hairy scorpion ( Hadrurus arizonensis )

The state-specific name of this species might call to mind a typical Diamondbacks fan (zing!) but this scorpion is found all around the American Southwest and Baja Mexico. The Arizona hairy scorpion is yellowish in color with black markings down its back. It is the largest species in North America, attaining a length up to 5.5 inches. They’re also considered very aggressive, so best not to front if you encounter one.

Despite their size and aggressiveness, their venom is not considered very potent, and their sting is about as painful as a honeybee’s. However, symptoms of difficult breathing, prolonged pain and swelling could indicate an allergic reaction, in which case you should seek medical attention immediately.

Bark scorpion ( Centruroides sculpturatus )

The bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America. A sting from a bark scorpion should always be considered serious and worthy of medical attention. These little monsters measure up to 3 inches in length and have a light brown color. They’re attracted to moisture, especially irrigated lawns in residential areas. One of the bark scorpion’s more frightening characteristics is their preference to being upside down, which means they’re often hanging (literally) out on the underside of objects. At least now you have an excuse for never reaching under a bed or picking up a table again.

Stripe-tailed scorpion ( Hoffmannius spinigerus )

Similar in size and stature to the bark scorpion, the stripe-tail scorpion’s identifying feature is in the name: brownish-tan stripes line its back and tail. Its tail and pinchers are thicker than the bark scorpion, which has more of a slender appearance. The stripe-tailed scorpion’s venom isn’t considered significant by medical standards, but they’ve been known to seek shelter in your shoes, and that may give your system a bigger shock than the venom.

How Lloyd Pest Control can protect you against scorpions

Lloyd Pest Control can spray pesticides such as Cyzmic CS and Temprid SC inside and outside the home to create a barrier against scorpions. These chemicals work to penetrate a scorpion’s exoskeleton, killing them from the inside out.