Even though your facilities looks safe, there are pests everywhere

March 16th, 2015

How would you like to run in to one or more of these when you move a stack of pallets?

 

Today’s post is by Gayl M. Southard, Administration Consultant at SafeSourcing Inc.

When we built our home in 2003 in the Sonoran Desert, I quickly learned of new bugs/insects that I had never come in contact with.  Because we are on a desert preserve, and our neighborhood was a newly developed area, the scorpion population became disturbed.  The first year living in our new home, I would learn a lot about scorpions.  Out of necessity, I found a reliable pest control specialist.  He likes to be called “Tom the Bug Guy”.  He sprays my home monthly.

Scorpions don’t bite, but they do sting.  The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most dangerous of the many varieties found in Arizona. The Bark Scorpion is light brown in color, and can range to be 2-3 inches long (stretched out). The sting is not likely to be fatal, or even to have long lasting effects. 

The venom scorpions have is used to capture their prey.  Not all scorpions have venom that is harmful to humans.  The sting can be very painful.  People that have allergic reactions to stings, or have underdeveloped or compromised immune system (the young and every old) may have strong or severe reactions.  Small pets may also have adverse reactions.

Scorpions enter homes in search of water and insects.  Therefore, it is prudent to rid your home of insects (i.e., ants, roaches, etc.) to keep the insect population down.  The perimeter of the home should also be treated.  The Bark Scorpion can be found in many places due to its ability to climb.  It can be found not only under rocks or in rock crevices, but also in trees or high on rock walls.  They can be found inside of people’s homes trapped in sinks or bathtubs, climbing walls, or in a dark closet.  Sealing your home is important as a scorpion can slip through an opening of 1/16”.  Caulk holes and cracks in your walls and baseboards.  Close windows tightly.  Get door seals to prevent scorpion entry.

A cat, or even chickens, can help keep the population down.  I don’t think my HOA will allow chickens! 

Scorpions are preyed upon by large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, birds (especially owls), and mammal such as bats, shrews, and grasshopper mice.

Is your business in need of pest extermination? If you’d like assistance with your pest control needs, please contact a SafeSourcing Project Manager in order to learn more.

We look forward to and appreciate your comments.

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