Have you recently found that your home has been invaded by scorpions? If so, you are not alone. While not all that common outside of the southwestern United States, scorpions can turn a supposed safe haven into a holding prison.
In fact, scorpion infestations can get so bad that the scorpions will move from the walls, floors, and ceilings and congregate in inconvenient places like the bathroom sink.
In this article, we’re going to cover all things scorpion infestation so you can stop them before things get out of hand. Let’s get started!
1. Hearing Skittering or Rustling Noises at Night
Hearing skittering or rustling noises at night can be a tell-tale sign of pest infestation in the home. Scorpions are nocturnal and thus much more active during the night.
It can be difficult to identify the source of the noises, but it’s important to inspect the property for early signs of an infestation. These signs may include concealment in dark indoor areas such as underneath the bed, in closets, or in drawers.
It’s also helpful to inspect and around the outside walls of the home. Seeing empty sheds and other structures around the perimeter can be a strong indicator of a scorpion infestation.
2. Seeing Egg Sacks
Scorpions reproduce sexually, with the female scorpion laying around 20 to 30 eggs that are held in a silk-like material called an egg sack. These egg sacks can typically be found around warm, dry areas in your home, such as air vents, baseboards, and other protective surfaces.
When disturbed, the egg sacks can rupture, and the eggs spill out. The eggs can hatch quickly, normally within about a week, and a new batch of scorpions can soon emerge and spread throughout other areas of the home.
3. Finding Molted Skins in Furniture
One of the signs of a scorpion infestation in your home is finding molted skins in furniture. Scorpions shed their exoskeletons up to 10 times in their lifespan as they grow, and it’s this molt or skin that is left behind.
These skins can collect in the deepest crevices of your furniture and other areas. They can often be found near areas where there are cracks in the wall and door frames, behind stored items, and in closets.
If you find that you are seeing a lot of molted skins on your furniture, it’s a good indication that you have a scorpion infestation. It’s important to take action and contact a professional pest control specialist that can help locate and remove the scorpions from your home.
4. Spotting the Presence of Small Insect Prey
When it comes to spotting the presence of small insect prey, one of the most telling signs of a scorpion infestation is insect activity near and around your home. You may notice insects such as flies, moths, and ants near windows or inside your home, as these insects are attracted to the light.
You may also find dead or mummified insects near your baseboards, along with other piles of organic debris. These are all likely signs that a scorpion is in the area and has been preying on the insects.
It’s also advised to keep an eye out for small holes in the ground near the foundation of your home, as scorpions can commonly burrow in these areas.
5. Noticing a Strong Ammonia-Like Smell
If you suddenly detect a strong, ammonia-like smell in your home, this could be indicative of a possible scorpion infestation. Scorpions secrete oils to keep their exoskeletons properly lubricated, and this tendency can sometimes leave behind a distinct smell resembling ammonia that lingers in the air.
If you notice surviving scorpions in the area, they could be emitting a pheromone which can also cause the smell. Identifying this smell and where it’s coming from is an important step in determining if your home has a scorpion problem.
As more scorpions move into an area, the smell will become more prominent. Differentiating the smell of scorpions from household odors is important, so use your nose to see if the culprit could be from an infestation.
6. Finding Cobwebs or Debris
Having cobwebs or debris in a house can be an indicator of a scorpion infestation. These cobwebs or pieces of debris can be indicative of a scorpion’s presence.
Scorpions prefer to build nests in dark, secluded places, so cobwebs or pieces of debris can indicate that they have been using such an area as a nesting area. Also, when finding such cobwebs or debris you should look out for scorpion droppings.
These small piles of droppings are usually found near the cobwebs or debris and will indicate a scorpion’s presence. Egg sacks are usually found near the cobwebs and debris and may be a sign that a scorpion is living in the area.
7. Droplets of Goo Near Scorpion Hiding Spots
Most scorpions have a set of glands near their tails that produce a sticky, reddish substance. This substance is known as goo and is usually found near places where scorpions are living and hiding.
The goo is typically left behind in small droplets when the scorpion is disturbed by movement or vibrations in the air. It’s also possible to find clumps of the goo in hard-to-reach and dark places like cracks and crevices.
Droplets of goo are a definite sign that your home has a scorpion problem and should be addressed by the appropriate pest control experts. Remember, the longer you wait, the more the infestation will spread.
8. Tiny Yellow-Brown Droppings
The droppings are fine and powdery in appearance but surprisingly present a consistent yellow-brown color. They are often found in places like doorways, windowsills, and other nooks and crannies within the home.
These droppings are often similar to what you’d find from other types of pests, like spiders, but much smaller in size. In addition to droppings, you may also spot trails of these droppings along baseboards and around entrances.
If you notice such evidence, you may need to contact pest control services to determine if a scorpion infestation is the cause.
Know More About Scorpion Infestation Today
With so many potential signs of a scorpion infestation, such as droppings or egg sacks, it is important to check your home for any evidence of an infestation.
If you have noticed any of these signs in your home, it is best to contact a professional as soon as possible to ensure the problem is treated accordingly. Don’t wait – call an exterminator now!
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