Western Exterminators - Pest Control Services California, Arizona, Nevada

	Common name:	Latin name:	Class:	Order:	Family:
	Scorpion	Various scientific names	Arachnida	Scorpiones	Various

	Size:
	Adults are about 2-4 inch (20-100 mm) long.
	Characteristics:
	Head and thorax are fused together, looking like a narrow shield; abdomen is strongly segmented, the last 5 segments looking like a tail, ending with a stinger which usually curves up; 4 pairs of legs; pedipalps (appendages in front of legs) that look like lobster claws.
	Color:
	Adults are yellowish brown to tan, sometimes with stripes or other markings. Newly born first instar (stage) nymphs are whitish, and stay light in color for about 2-3 months.
	Where Found:
	Mainly in dry regions of the southwest United States, and also in the South. In the West, scorpions have been found as far north as British Columbia.
	Comparison:
	The Pseudoscorpion is much smaller, 3/16 in (5mm) long or less, with a flat, oval body, and lacks a "tail" and stinger. The Whip Scorpion has an oval abdomen, a long whip-like tail with no stinger, and an extra long first pair of legs
	Habitat:
	This insect lives over 90% of its life hidden in its harborage spot. Hide in burrows and under rocks, logs or debris. Indoors: Live in crawl spaces or attics, if temperatures stay under 100 degrees F (38 degrees C).
	Food:
	Feed at night, mostly on insects and spiders, but sometimes on each other. After catching large prey in their "claw-like" pedipalps, the Scorpion stings it repeatedly. Smaller claw-like parts munch the food into tiny particles, to which a liquid from the Scorpion's body is added to make a "juice". A dry pellet is discarded after feeding. With a source of water nearby, a Scorpion can go for months without food.
	Biology:
	Give birth to living young, which crawl up onto the mothers' backs, and stay until the first molt, 7-30 days later, then come down to feed, scattering. Mature into adults in several months to four years (6 molts). Adults may live for 1-6+ years. Sometimes a lost body part may grow back, although the new one may be malformed.
	Damage:
	Painful sting with itching, tingling, some swelling or tenderness and possible discoloration, like a bee sting. Some people may have an allergic response which can threaten life. The Sculptured Scorpion is very dangerous.
	Invasion:
	Nocturnal and hide in or beneath something during the day. Seeking shelter at dawn, they crawl into shoes, clothing, and folded blankets. Indoors may be found in sinks or bathtubs where they are seeking water. May enter buildings and then move through wall voids.
	Control:
	This insect is an ‘occasional invader’ into our homes or businesses. Control can be achieved by applications of residual materials around the exterior of the structure. Remove debris and stones, and raise woodpiles off of the ground. Tighten door, window and screen openings. Scorpions are most likely to be found outdoors and control should be focused in those areas. They are mostly nocturnal and spend up to 90% of their lives hidden away in burrows or harborages. You can use a vacuum to remove insects found inside in lieu of a pesticide application. Immediately dispose of the vacuum bag outside. If you attempt to control Scorpions and make a pesticide application, be sure it is registered for the target pest/location. Control with applications of liquid residual pesticides or dusts. Read the entire label prior to use. Follow all label directions, restrictions, and precautions.