Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

2009 will be a Bad Scorpion Year.

Recent reports in Phoenix indicate a rise in scorpions stings being reported to the local health facilities.  Online traffic to scorpion related pest control sites, like Austin Scorpion Control.com and Las Vegas Scropion Control. com have seen a large increase in visitors.  And local pest control companies in Las Vegas, and Phoenix confirm that scorpion calls are up.  All signs point to a bad scorpion year.

What’s the cause?

Scorpion sitings and stings are likely on the rise due to colder wetter weather.  The wetter weather produces more vegetation, more pests, and in turn more food for scorpions.  Scorpions are arachnids and like spiders they feed on other insects. So when the insect population booms, so does the scorpion population.  The reason a colder winter generates more scorpions stings and calls is because the scorpions are heading indoors.  Scorpions can go inactive for the winter, but if the weather changes from cold to warm and back to cold, or if the ground freezes early, then the scorpions that have not gone inactive or the inactive scorpions that become active again with the changes, immediately look to find better warmer harborage.  And what better place to find constant warm weather then your home?

So the scorpion rise is due to the wetter weather and the general rise in pests.  The scorpion stings and calls are due to more scorpions moving indoors. Most scorpion stings occur indoors.

Can you control scorpions?

That all depends on who you ask.  Many people say you can’t control scorpions.  Many pest control professionals will tell you that in order to get rid of scorpions you have to kill off their food supply, i.e. the other bugs. So what they are saying is that they are only willing to give you a generic pest control treatment and nothing specific to control scorpions.  With that approach they are probablly right in that they can’t really control scorpions.  But some companies believe they can and do control scorpions.  They call it Scorpion Control Science.

Are Scorpion Stings Dangerous?

Scorpion stings can be very dangerous.  The toxins are rarely fatal in humans and for most the sting isn’t much worse then a bee sting.  However, scorpions stings can be fatal to those that have an allergic reaction.  It is estimated by the American Athsmatic society that up to 5% of the population could have an allergic reaction. It is advised that if you experience any severe reactions to the scorpion sting that you call your local poison control for assistance.

Have you ever been outside with friends and feel like you were the only one being bitten or attacked by mosquitoes?

Recent studies have shown that there is truly a significance behind these experiences and it has to do with the fact that mosquitoes are attracted to certain specifics characteristics of their human host.  Well lets think about it.  Female mosquitoes in order to reproduce relish at the opportunity to drink your blood.  Mosquitoes have been around for thousands of years and have developed some skill at determining whose blood is good for withdrawal.

I recently watched a scientist talking about these studies state why mosquitoes may be biting your friend and not you.  Mosquitoes are attracted to clean smelling, bigger proportioned, dark haired humans.  This is truly what the guy on television said.  After researching this a little bit further I learned that humans give off various odors that we are not sensitive to.  I guess even our blood has a certain odor to it.  Mosquitoes which are naturally sensitive to these odors have developed preferences for their prey.

Basically the study is saying that mosquitoes are attracted to clean, big, and dark haired persons because they are easy to locate.  The bigger you are the more heat you give off.  The bigger you are the more carbon dioxide you may generally emit.  I guess mosquitoes are able to see dark colors better than light colors.  Clean persons with good hygiene…smell good…can you blame them?

Controlling Mosquitoes

— Throw out all trash that can hold water, such as tin cans, jars and old tires.

— Clean out rain gutters; be certain no water remains on flat roofs after rains.

— Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.

— Clean out and fill in tree holes with concrete.

— Stock decorative ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish.

— Empty children’s wading pools weekly.

— Fill in or drain low areas in your yard.

— Keep weeds and tall grass cut short; adult mosquitoes look for these shady places to rest during the hot daylight hours.

Source: Knox County Health Department

Prevent Mosquito Bites

— Avoid places and times when mosquitoes commonly bite — dusk and dawn.

—  Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas. Keep pant legs tucked into boots or socks.

— Make sure your insect repellent contains DEET, Picardin or Lemon of Eucalyptus. Generally, repellent with 30 percent DEET works best for adults. A lower concentration is recommended for children. Contact your child’s physician before using repellent on infants.

Source: Knox County Health Department