No one likes having pests in their home… from ants to cockroaches and earwigs to spiders – ugh – it’s never nice waking up to the little creepy crawlers in the place you find comfort. But compared to what we’re going to talk about in a few seconds, some silly insects seem like child’s play!
On July 18, FOX 4 News reported that scorpions – yes, scorpions – are taking refuge in people’s homes in Texas. (And that’s putting it nicely!) Place such as Austin, Texas have been enduring 100+ degree temperatures (not unlike everyone else this summer) and according to Texas Park and Wildlife officials, it’s not just humans that are trying to keep cool but scorpions, too.[1,2]
The scorpions aren’t leaving behind any family members either… Just look at this image of a scorpion mom carrying her babies to safety. (We still don’t know whether we find it cute or not.)
Although this story is specific to Texas, it’s not the only place in America where you can find scorpions. By nature, they live in warm and dry climates making the southwest a perfect home. In addition to Texas, this includes states such as California, Arizona, Southern Nevada, and New Mexico.[3] But, when it gets too hot, they also need somewhere cool down.
Where Do Scorpions Hide?
As reported by FOX 4, over 1,500 species of scorpion exist worldwide, 18 of which you can find in Texas. Thankfully, none in Texas are considered medically dangerous. But that doesn’t mean a run-in with a scorpion is any more desirable.
Depending on the species, some scorpions will burrow into things while others will hide under them. However, the main thing for them is that the location is dark and tight. Outside, you will often find scorpions under rocks, in piles of wood, stacks of newspaper, etc.
Inside the home, scorpions will find their way in folded towels, gloves, sleeping bags and, more popularly, shoes.
3 Areas of Your Home Where Scorpions May Be Hiding
Did you know that scorpions can fit into a space as little as a 1/8 inch? Yeah, exactly. Here’s a list of the most common places you can expect to find them:[3]
- Your Garage
- Your Basement
- Your Attic
Scorpions, especially in the dead of summer, will be seeking a dark, moist place to escape the heat. Since they can live for months without food or water, get rid of it as soon as possible if you spot one! So, here are some tips:[4,5]
- Clean your home more often during the summer months, especially undisturbed areas (e.g., spare bedrooms)
- Caulk any cracks around the house (e.g., door frames, bathroom cupboards)
- Ultraviolet blacklight can expose their glowing exoskeleton in the dark, which may make them easier to spot
- Give any bedding, laundry, or towels a good shake before storing or washing them
- Call local pest control
Ideally, we’ll all enjoy a scorpion-free summer. But should you run into one (or a mother and its babies), we hope these tips help solve your issue!
Keep Reading: This Year’s Deadly Heat Waves a Sign of Climate Change
The post Scorpions Hiding in Homes for Relief from Texas Heat (Where to Find Them) appeared first on The Hearty Soul.