Pest guide

Scorpions in Texas homes

Anywhere in Texas, North Texas included, you may someday find a scorpion in the bathtub or on a wall. In most of Texas, it's the striped bark scorpion. Texas has 18 kinds of scorpions, but this is the only one found throughout the state. In East Texas it's the only one.

What it looks like #

• About 2 1/2 inches long as an adult
• Yellowish tan, with two wide dark stripes down its back
• Slender pincers and a long, thin tail with a stinger at the tip

The deadly Arizona bark scorpion is not found in Texas, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

If someone gets stung #

Stings from Texas scorpions usually cause only moderate reactions. Expect pain or burning, a little swelling, tenderness, and maybe numbness or tingling.

Keep a close eye on anyone who's been stung for a while afterward. Allergic reactions can happen, as with any sting. Be extra careful with young children and anyone who has reacted badly to stings before. If pain or swelling doesn't go away, get medical care.

Why scorpions come inside #

Scorpions hunt at night. In the daytime they hide under rocks, boards, firewood, and other clutter. Striped bark scorpions climb walls and trees, and they often live in attics. In hot weather they move down into living areas to get away from the attic heat. Heat and drought also send them looking for water and cooler air. They can squeeze in under doors and through small cracks.

Finding them #

Scorpions glow blue-green under ultraviolet (black) light. Walk around outside, in the garage, and in the attic at night with a UV flashlight to see where they are. Wear shoes and gloves, and don't try to pick one up. Sticky traps set in those spots can catch some of them.

Keep them out #

Scorpions are hard to control with insecticides alone, A&M says. Start by changing the area around your house:

Everyday habits help too. Shake out shoes, gloves, and clothes that were left on the floor or in the garage before you put them on.

Using pesticides #

If you use an insecticide, choose one labeled for scorpions and follow the label exactly. Focus on entry points and the foundation, not your whole house. Using more than the label says won't work better. Read Using pesticides with care first.

When to call a licensed company #

• You find scorpions inside often, even after sealing up.
• Scorpions are living in your attic.
• You have small children, or someone at home who reacts badly to stings.

Ask what the company will do about entry points, not just spraying. Then check the license.

Photo: "Cimex lectularius (bed bug) (5975917188)" by Gilles San Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped; this version is licensed CC BY-SA 2.0. Photo: "Rattus norvegicus - Brown rat 02" by Zeynel Cebeci, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped; this version is licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. All photo credits