Do scorpions and spiders generally hide out in your house? Scorpions and spiders like to hide in the attic of your home. No one likes to think about harboring such unwelcome guests, but it might be important...
No one likes to think about harboring such unwelcome guests, but it might be important to know if they've moved in, as some bites from these creatures are serious trouble.
According to Stoy Hedges, an entomologist and Manager of Technical Services at Terminix International, "We have scorpions here across the Southern United States, from the East coast to the West coast. They can go as far north as Southern Missouri and North Carolina. They live outdoors primarily, but when they come into houses, they tend to go into the attic. When you have scorpions your best bet is definitely to call a professional. Find one that is experienced with killing scorpions and treating the home."
Besides attics, where else in our homes might we find scorpions? These tips are found at the website for the Utah State University Extension (http://extension.usu.edu/insect/fs/scorpion.htm).
"[The scorpion's flat body] enables them to enter homes from outdoors through very small openings of less than one-eighth of an inch. Generally, they are found under the house or in the attic. They may be found in washrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms where water is available and in the daytime hide in closets, shoes, folded blankets, etc. Fortunately, scorpions are seldom found in houses except in recently developed desert areas."
Some of the best ways to prevent scorpions from entering your house is to make the exterior of your home and yard less inviting, so they won't wander on into your home. Avoid keeping wood piles,bricks, or stones near your house. Seal any potential entry ways, such as openings around pipes, windows, doorways and such.
Spiders are a little different. According to Hedges, "There are different kinds of spiders. Web Doling spiders are what we commonly call Cobweb spiders. One of the things that you can do for yourself is just to knock the webs down periodically. We do that as part of our quarterly service. If customers knock the spider webs down around the outside of the house, it keeps the number of spiders down. Change the yellow bug lights on the outside of your home as well. Those full yellow bulbs attract flying insects that serve as food. If you have Brown Recluse spiders, which are in the south-central part of the country, call a professional. They are one of the most dangerous spiders. Their bites can produce some serious effects on some people. That's the same for Black Widow spiders."
Many of the same measures taken to keep scorpions out of your home are appropriate for keeping spider populations down, as well. Sealing entry points, not allowing their food sources (flies, cockroaches, etc.) to grow on your property, and being a thorough housekeeper will help to deter your potentially problematic houseguests.
Inside your home, be aware when pulling things out of dark closets or often unused spaces. Don't store boxes under your bed, and keep storage items in plastic containers with tight fitting lids, especially when stored in dark or humid areas, like basements. Don't give scorpions and spiders an open invitation to your home.
