Scorpions Archives - Rentokil - Pest Control and Exterminators Services

Summer’s Coming! Insects Thrive in Extreme Desert Heat

Ever wonder how insects survive the brutal summer temperatures in Las Vegas? In fact, many types of insects don’t only need warm temperatures to survive—hot weather helps them thrive! Many pests are less active in the winter, and rising temperatures typically signal the beginning of pest season. It goes without saying, then, that Las Vegas summers are ideal for a number of insects who enjoy the temperatures that reach well over 100 degrees on a daily basis. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, we want to help our neighbors learn which insects and pests are most common in our extreme desert heat.

Common Summertime Pests in Las Vegas

Higher temperatures encourage pests to breed more rapidly, especially when the warm season begins in the spring. This typically leads to an increase in insect population and a sped-up life cycle. Some of the pests and insects you’re likely to see more often in the summertime include:

Cockroaches
Scorpions
Wasps
Mosquitoes
Ants
Termites
Silverfish
Crickets

Bark Scorpions in the Summer

During the winter in Las Vegas, which sees surprisingly cold temperatures, bark scorpions enter into hibernation. While they are rarely seen between September and April, there’s still a chance to notice one or two. That said, the summer is their peak season. Because there are so many insects that thrive in the desert heat, bark scorpions are all the more likely to seek out areas full of them, including near or in your home. For this reason alone, it’s essential to receive regular pest control services that can prevent bark scorpions from finding reason to be near your home.

Preventing Summertime Pests in Las Vegas

If you live in Las Vegas, you probably already dread days that exceed 100 degrees, which are often. The abundance of insects and pests during this time of year doesn’t make it any better! Because these pests and insects are inevitable during this time of year, it’s important to enlist the help of a professional pest control company who can better prepare you for the onslaught of cockroaches, wasps, and bark scorpions during warm months. Western Exterminator of Las Vegas has more than 20 years of experience providing relief from pests in the summer throughout the valley—call us today to find out more about our prevention methods!

How Our Scorpion Control Methods Stand Out From the Rest

Anyone living in Las Vegas is no stranger to bark scorpions. While the area is prone to many types of scorpions, the bark scorpion is known as the most poisonous type in the entire nation. Also known as Arizona bark scorpions, their venom can be extremely dangerous to anyone attacked by one of these fast-moving creatures. At Western Exterminator of Las Vegas, we know how frightening bark scorpions can be and are proud to be industry leaders in controlling them. Treating these dangerous pests requires specialized treatments and need to be handled in a professional manner.

The Dangers of Bark Scorpions

Unlike most types of scorpions, bark scorpions prefer to travel in packs of up to 30 members, making their presence all the more of a threat when found near homes. It’s important to take into account what precisely is so dangerous about bark scorpions:

The venom possessed by bark scorpions is the most potent scorpion venom in North America.
Although they aren’t aggressive and seek to avoid human contact altogether, people are still occasionally stung.
When stung, symptoms often last for up to three days and may include severe pain, numbness in the affected limb, and convulsions. While rare, death has been a result of bark scorpion stings.
Professional medical attention must always be sought immediately when stung by a bark scorpion.

When to Call a Professional Scorpion Exterminator

Although they prefer to be outside, bark scorpions can make their way inside your home through the tiniest of openings. If you see one bark scorpion in or near your home, it’s very likely there are more nearby. No matter what, it’s time to call a professional. It’s important to act quickly in order to keep them from spreading and to prevent putting yourself or your family in danger. A professional exterminator such as Western knows how to properly treat scorpions in or near your property.

How We Control and Prevent Bark Scorpions

With decades of experience treating and removing bark scorpions in the area, Western Exterminator of Las Vegas knows what it takes to properly handle these dangerous pests. Because scorpions don’t respond to normal pest control tactics, the Western specialists will work to apply exterior treatments to your home. In addition to inspecting the perimeter of your property, we will make suggestions about trimming bushes and vegetation back from the home and seek out cracks and crevices under your siding to look for entry points. Our prevention methods prove to keep bark scorpions away from your home, and we also have the tools and resources to control large populations in active infestations!

5 Springtime Pests in the Las Vegas Valley

It’s officially the first day of spring here in Las Vegas, meaning warmer weather is headed our way. Increasing temperatures and rainy weather in the springtime encourage a variety of insects and pests to emerge after spending most of the winter in a dormant state. The best way to prepare for spring pests is to know what types you should expect to see as spring progresses. The top 5 springtime pests in the Las Vegas Valley are as follows:

Bark Scorpions in Las Vegas

Not only is the bark scorpion the most common scorpion in the nation, it is also the most venomous and will attack if threatened. A few things to remember about bark scorpions include:

They are tan in color, have 8 legs, grow up to 3 inches in length, and have a thin tail with a curved stinger.
Bark scorpions prefer to make their home under rocks, in crevices, and in trees outdoors. Inside, they can be found trapped in sinks or bathtubs when not climbing walls.
Their sting is highly venomous and should be considered a serious health risk that should be attended to by a medical professional as soon as possible.

The Prevalence of Sugar Ants

Also known as odorous house ants, sugar ant infestations are notoriously difficult to manage. Sugar ants are either black or brown in color, grow to no more than 1/8″, and, true to their name, emit a strong odor when smashed. While sugar ants don’t pose a serious health risk, it’s important to know the following facts:

They are capable of contaminating food in your home as they forage.
Odorous house ants do not bite people.
They are known to be one of the most difficult pests to eliminate.

Africanized Honey Bee Facts

Africanized honey bees are a hybrid species of the western honey bee, and they are frequently found in the Las Vegas area. A few facts to remember about Africanized honey bees include:

Often known as “killer bees”, these bees are fiercely aggressive and known to attack anyone they feel threatened by.
They closely resemble European honey bees, but their aggression makes them stand out as more dangerous.
Nests can be found anywhere and everywhere around your home, often in places common to human activity.

The American Cockroach Dilemma

American cockroaches are large red-brown roaches in the southwest, and adults can grow to be 1½ inches in length. American cockroaches exhibit some of the following behaviors that separate them from other types of cockroaches:

They are found in large numbers in restaurants, family homes, and hospitals.
American cockroaches do not cause structural damage but can contaminate food and can be vectors of disease as they carry around germs and bacteria.
They can be extremely difficult to get rid of especially when the infestation is large.

All About Roof Rats

Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, but possess a longer tail and bigger ears. True to their name, roof rats nest in high areas such as trees or attic spaces. Some of the threats of roof rats include:

They have a fast reproduction rate.
They are carriers for a variety of diseases and bacteria.
Roof rats can quickly damage their environment by chewing through wires, wood, and food, leaving destruction in their wake.

Professional Help With Springtime Pests

If you notice any of the aforementioned pests this spring, it’s smart to call a professional who can check for signs of nests and populations. At Western Exterminator, we are dedicated to helping our customers stay pest-free throughout every season.

What to Do When You Find a Scorpion in Your Home

Scorpions are very common in the southern United States, as they prefer desert climates. Because they hide in dark, cool areas, they may find the perfect residence in the attic, basement, or crawl spaces inside your home. Seeing a scorpion inside your home is not a pleasant experience, and while most aren’t dangerous, there is one to be wary of in the Las Vegas area. Bark scorpions are the most common and, unfortunately, most venomous type of scorpion in North America. If you spot any type of scorpion in your home, give the experts at Western Exterminator a call to find out how they can be removed safely and effectively.

Identifying a Bark Scorpion in the Home

Because bark scorpions are so common in the Las Vegas area, it may be likely that scorpions found in the home are of this species. They are light brown in color, grow up to 3 inches in length, and have a thin tail with a curved stinger. Bark scorpions are adept climbers, congregate in very large groups, and may be found trapped in sinks or bathtubs, climbing walls, or in a dark closet in the home. Bites are very dangerous to humans and can cause numbness, tingling, blurry vision, and twitching muscles. If you are bitten by a bark spider, it’s crucial to receive immediate medical attention.

What to Do With Scorpions Inside Your Home

No one wants scorpions scampering around in their homes. The thought of them lurking in dark, cool places in your house is enough to call a professional to check out the situation for you. The experts at Western Exterminator can help you learn how to implement some of the following prevention and elimination tips:

Implement proper exclusion techniques. It’s essential to inspect and seal any holes, cracks, or crevices on the exterior of your property that may let
Eliminate places scorpions may linger. Placing potted plants on stands, storing outdoor bins away from the home, eliminating yard debris, and making sure your landscaping is tidy can all help keep scorpions away.
Keep a tidy environment free of food crumbs inside the home to avoid other insects. Because scorpions feed on insects, they may be attracted to homes infested with them.
Remove sources of standing water and moisture. Make sure your home’s pipes and plumbing works properly without leaks, as scorpions seek out water.
For scorpions already in the home, lay glue traps, carefully use pesticides, and always take caution in trying to remove them yourself. Scorpions are quick, can be dangerous, and are difficult to get rid of. It’s typically best to simply call a professional exterminator to do the hard work for you.

Professional Scorpion Prevention and Control Services

Bottom line, scorpions are one of the most dreaded pests to find inside your home. While there are certainly methods to remove them yourself and plenty of tips on preventing them in the home, sometimes it’s best to call a professional, especially if you believe the scorpions in your house to be bark scorpions. At Western Exterminator, our expert technicians have the training and experience required to get rid of scorpion infestations and keep them away for good. Give us a call today to learn more about what to do with the scorpions in your home!

How to Reduce the Risk of Scorpion Stings

Scorpions are an unfortunate reality for most Las Vegas homeowners. While the scorpion “bite” is a myth, scorpions stings are very real! Whether scorpions are crawling in your backyard, or across your bedroom wall, you need to know how to reduce the risk of stings! Here are Rentokil’s best tips for reducing stings–both inside and outside of your home.

Basic Tips to Avoid Scorpion Stings

Daily living around scorpions requires a bit of extra thought. Whether you’re folding laundry or climbing into bed after a long day, here’s some advice on avoiding those painful stings:

Always keep fingers and toes where you can see them.
- Seems easy, right? It applies to every situation–reaching into a bag, putting slippers on, checking underneath a bed for a lost sock–they all require a bit of thinking before doing!
Shake out clothes and shoes.
- Every time, and in every situation. By making it a habit, you can keep yourself–and your family!–away from harm.
- Don’t leave clothes on the floor, either. It’s a perfect hiding spot for scorpions.
Look at your sheets and blankets before getting into bed.
- This is one that makes our skin crawl too, but it’s absolutely necessary. Remember: scorpions want to hide, and they want to be undisturbed. If you jump into bed on top of a hiding scorpion, you will get stung.

Never go barefoot outside.
- This one is easy. Put as much shoe between you and a scorpion as possible!
Wear gloves when doing yardwork or putting hands in dark corners.
- This is a very easy way to prevent being stung.
- Make sure the gloves are thick enough so the stinger can’t penetrate through the glove itself. There are various companies that make scorpion-proof gloves.

Reduce the Risk of Scorpion Stings Inside Your Home

Scorpions want three things: food, shelter, and water. It’s your job to make sure they can’t get any of that from your home!

Stop water leaks in walls, around faucets, and from pipes.
- Scorpions are small, and if there’s water nearby–they will find it.
Block all holes and cracks.
- This is an easy concept, but it can be difficult to know exactly where the holes are.
- Commit to regular inspections to look at caulking and entry holes around utility pipes.
Seal your foundation.
- This is a big one. If you have a major scorpion problem, or you want to avoid a major problem, get your foundation sealed by a company that specializes in these services. It can make a big difference!
Put away all food when not used, including pet food.
- No, scorpions don’t typically eat pet food or table scraps. But they do eat some animals that eat food–including mice.
Make sure all other pests are controlled, so scorpions don’t have a food source.
- By controlling mice and insects, you eliminate a potential food source for scorpions, thereby reducing the attraction your home holds for them.
Don’t let clutter accumulate.
- Scorpions want to hide. Don’t let them!
No cardboard storage.
- Don’t store items in loose cardboard boxes that scorpions can rest in.
- Store any items in clear plastic containers with tight lids. Scorpion-proof peace of mind!
Always inspect items before bringing them inside–especially the underneath.
- Scorpions love undisturbed objects, and they will hitch a ride inside.
- Arizona bark scorpions actually enjoy being upside down. They can hide under furniture and be carried inside very easily.
Optional: use netting around beds.
- This is up to your discretion. Some people feel safer with netting, and others don’t like it.

Avoid Scorpion Stings Outside of Your Home

Get rid of standing water.
- Clean up any old tires, plant pots, wheelbarrows, and any other objects that could have standing water in them.
Remove extra bark, tree limbs, or other yard debris.
- Some scorpions live under bark in the wild. Don’t fool them into thinking that your yard is a safe place for scorpions!
Never leave pet food on the back porch.
- Again, scorpions won’t eat pet food–but they eat the small mammals that do!
Look for potential threats with scorpion “hunts” at night.
- Scorpions glow under UV light (blacklights).
- Grab a UV flashlight and shine it around your yard. Hunt those scorpions down, before they find a way into your home!
- If you see a lot of scorpions one night, it’s time to double down on your efforts to keep them out of your house. Check your foundation, windowsills, and doors for possible entry points.

Professional Help to Get Rid of Scorpions

If you’re finding scorpions in your home on a frequent basis, you need professional help. Fighting scorpions on your own can be overwhelming and exhausting, and there are a lot of elements that go into removing scorpions completely. If you need help with your scorpion problem, give Rentokil a call today!

10 Facts You Need to Know About the Bark Scorpion

Las Vegans are no strangers to scorpions, and most of us know about the baddest one of all: the bark scorpion! Also known as the Arizona bark scorpion, this tiny devil packs a punch as the most poisonous scorpion in North America. While bark scorpions live in infamy, there may be a couple of facts you don’t know–facts that could help you identify and even prevent these scorpions from stinging you! Rentokil is always looking for new ways to protect you and your family, so we’ve come up with a list of 10 facts you need to know about the bark scorpion.

Identify and Prevent Bark Scorpions

With effective pest control, proper identification is half the battle! Arm yourself with these facts about Arizona bark scorpions, and learn more about preventing them.

They travel in packs.
- Most scorpions prefer to be solitary–but not the bark scorpion!
- While they can be found wandering alone, the real danger is in winter, when they hunker down in packs of twenty or thirty.
- If you see one bark scorpion, chances are high that more are waiting just around the corner.
Bark scorpions range from 7-8 cm long.
- The biggest of the species is just barely 3 inches long!
They can climb vertically.
- It’s true. Unlike most other scorpions, bark scorpions can climb rough vertical surfaces.
Bark scorpions typically hold their tails to the side.
- The key is typically. Unlike a lot of scorpions that prefer to have their tails over their bodies, bark scorpions will frequently position their tails to one side.
They give live birth.
- Unlike most arachnids, all scorpions give birth to live babies, called scorplings.
- Bark scorpions will give birth to 25-35 scorplings at a time, typically in early summer.
They have terrible eyesight.
- This is why scorpions prefer to walk along walls.
- It’s also why they sting when startled–they can’t see you coming!
They can live up to 6 years.
They only need a hole the size of a credit card to get in.
- You heard it! This is why adequate sealing of the space between your foundation and your home is so important.
- Sealants are available that are made especially to keep scorpions out.
They are nocturnal.
- If you suspect a scorpion infestation, check out your home and yard at night.
- Use a blacklight–bark scorpions (like most scorpions) glow in UV light.
They’re drawn to moisture.
- This last fact is a key component to fighting an infestation, especially in the hot summer months.
- By cutting down on available or standing water, you can cut down on your chances of a scorpion infestation.

Professional Help for Bark Scorpions

If your yard, home, or business is infested with bark scorpions, you will definitely benefit from professional extermination services. At Rentokil, we handle everything from inspection, exclusion, and treatment–all so we can protect your home and family! Call today to learn more about our bark scorpion treatment options!

It’s Bark Scorpion Season – 5 Tips to Prevent Being Stung

Bark scorpions, also known as Arizona bark scorpions, are typically 3 inches in length or less, with a light brown body. They can be found in the southwest of the United States, including Las Vegas, and into northern Mexico. The venom of the bark scorpion is the most potent scorpion venom in North America. As the weather gets cooler, scorpions start to gather near homes on block walls, rocks, and near retaining walls.

Bark Scorpions and Dangerous Stings

A sting from the bark scorpion can cause symptoms for up to three days, including:

Severe pain
Numbness in the affected limb
Convulsions

Deaths have been known to occur after a sting, though usually only in the elderly, very young, or those with scorpion venom allergies. After a scorpion sting, medical attention must be sought immediately.

Bark Scorpion Behavior and Your Home

Bark scorpions don’t have nests or burrows, and prefer to roam, looking for food and shelter. They are nomadic, and will travel from home to home, looking for potential resources and invading any available space.

Most scorpions do not socialize or congregate, preferring to remain solitary. Bark scorpions are the exception: they will congregate in groups of 20-30 scorpions during the winter. Most scorpions that enter a home during the fall are doing so to escape the cold weather, and it’s vital to prevent them from moving inside.

5 Tips to Prevent Bark Scorpion Stings

Your home should be protected as thoroughly as possible against scorpions. Here are some basic prevention tips to “scorpion-proof” your house, and to prevent the stings themselves:

Check your clothing, and shake your shoes before putting them on.
Always check bedsheets and blankets before using them.
Homes should be kept clean.
- Clutter or other items that can serve as hiding places for scorpions should be eliminated.
- Never reach into a box, bag, or other container without checking for scorpions first.
- Thorough cleaning should also be completed to prevent other insects that bark scorpions like to eat, like ants and cockroaches.
Your backyard should remain tidy as well.
- Don’t allow standing water to accumulate.
- Fill all holes and burrows (Carefully!)
- Clean up any pet food
- Remove any brush or piles of vegetation
- Never go outside barefoot.
Cracks in walls and foundations should be sealed, ensuring that small scorpions cannot enter.

Professional Help for Bark Scorpions in Las Vegas

If you have experienced multiple bark scorpion sightings, or you find them frequently in your backyard, you need to get professional help as soon as possible. Bark scorpions are a major and dangerous problem, and they should never be allowed to remain anywhere near your property. If you’re not sure what species of scorpion you’re seeing, give Western Exterminator a call! We can inspect your property, identify the species of scorpion, seal your home against future problems, and treat any possible scorpion infestation.

Scorpion Stings Can be Painful and Serious

A member of the arachnid family, scorpions are feared for their sting. Scorpions don’t have teeth, so they don’t bite, but they do sting. We have several types of scorpions in Nevada, but only two–the bark scorpion and the Arizona hairy scorpion–are capable of inflicting mild to serious damage to humans with their sting. Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Young children, and sometimes much older adults, are most at risk of serious complications.

THE DESERT HAIRY SCORPION STING

Desert Hairy Scorpion Pest Control Las Vegas Nevada — Desert Hairy Scorpion

Arizona hairy scorpions, also known as desert hairy scorpions, are the largest scorpions in North America, ranging from 5 to 7 inches in length. These scorpions are yellow with brown coloration on the top of its body. They are found throughout the Las Vegas and Henderson valley, preferring to burrow under rocks. These scorpions are aggressive when disturbed, but their sting causes no more than a mild to painful reaction at the site unless the person stung has an allergic reaction to their venom.

THE BARK SCORPION STING

Bark scorpions, also known as Arizona bark scorpions, are typically no more than 3 inches in length with a light brown body and their venom is the most potent scorpion venom in North America. A sting can cause symptoms from severe pain for up to three days, numbness in the affected limb, or convulsions. Death has been reported, though typically only in the elderly, very young, or those with scorpion venom allergies.

SYMPTOMS OF A SCORPION STING

The venom of a scorpion contains a variety of different chemicals, including both neurotoxins and enzymes that penetrate the skin and other tissues.

Most people who are stung by a scorpion will feel a sharp, burning pain not unlike a bee or wasp sting, or will feel like an electric shock. The initial sting can be quite painful, but for most people the discomfort will subside within an hour.

After the sting, there may be burning or numbness at the location of the tail strike. Some people may experience numbness beyond the sting site, seizures, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, or other severe symptoms. If any of these symptoms occur, you should get immediate medical attention as these are symptoms of anaphylactic shock.

SCORPION STING PREVENTION TIPS:

Eliminating food sources and harborage sites around your home is key to preventing a scorpion infestation. Make your home less attractive to scorpions by following these prevention tips:

Eliminate standing water. Scorpions have a preference and need to settle near water and in moisture laden areas.
Inspect cabinets, closets, and other dark places on a regular basis
Clear away brush, debris, and woodpiles from the perimeter of your home. Keep firewood above ground and 30 feet away from your home.
Repair damaged and torn window screens and seal cracks and crevices in your foundation. Scorpions only need the width of a credit card to gain access.
Seal entry doors and garage doors. If light can be seen streaming from the exterior, the seal beneath the door should be repaired.
Eliminate food sources utilizing a professional pest management program. Since scorpions feed on insects, managing pests on your property will help to eliminate their food supply.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

Get immediate medical care for a child stung by a scorpion.

Call the Nevada Poison Control Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 for advice if you’re concerned about a scorpion sting. This service provides a primary resource for poisoning and sting information and can help you to determine when to seek medical attention.

Seek prompt medical care if you’ve been stung by a scorpion and begin to experience widespread symptoms.

IF YOU SEE SCORPIONS IN YOUR HOME

Scorpions have been known to enter homes in order to escape the heat of the desert sun. In order to prevent these occurrences, cracks in walls and foundations should be sealed, ensuring that small scorpions cannot enter. Homes should also be kept clean in order to prevent incidental insects that scorpions may eat, such as ants and cockroaches. Items such as boxes that can serve as hiding places for scorpions should be removed.

If one or two scorpions are seen inside a home in a scorpion-prone area, it may not be a sign of a problem. Individual scorpions can be prevented by ensuring that home entry points are sealed and that items such as clothing are scorpion-free before entering a house. If multiple scorpions are seen in a short period of time it is a likely sign of infestation and a licensed pest-control professional should be called.

Where Do Scorpions Go In Winter?

Bark Scorpion Exterminators and Control Las Vegas Henderson Nevada — Although the bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in America, deaths from their sting are extremely rare.

Baby, it’s cold outside! As the temperatures drop below freezing in the Las Vegas valley, just like us, scorpions are looking for warmth and shelter. A common myth is that scorpions die off during the winter, but they actually just hibernate. Scorpions can survive freezing temperatures, but they often choose to hibernate in homes where they can stay warm all winter.

Habits

Most scorpions are solitary arachnids, but during the winter Bark scorpions will nest together in large groups. Scorpions nest, or hibernate, in or under block wall fences, retaining walls, lumber, rocks, wall voids, and structural cracks and crevices.

Scorpions are nocturnal pests, so they hide during the day and are most active at night. They feed primarily on insects, especially crickets, cockroaches, and spiders. Scorpions can survive for months without food if water is readily available. As the only species of scorpion in Nevada that can climb, the invasive Bark Scorpion can scale walls and ceilings, then drop into beds, cribs, toilets and kitchen tables.

Scorpion Prevention