Summertime in Oklahoma means many of us will be venturing outside for activities such as a family bar-b-que, swimming, or catching a baseball game. Besides the wind sweeping down the Plains, our great state is home to plenty of bugs that crawl, sting, and bite!
One pest that will scare even the most seasoned Okie is a scorpion. Visions of giant venomous tails and painful stings come to mind when we think about these creatures. While the thought of encountering a scorpion may be scary to many people, scorpions are not looking to attack. They are commonly regarded as pests, not as threats.
Oklahoma is home to a few different species of scorpions. While the sight of one of these arachnids may startle some, scorpions play an important role in the state’s ecosystems. This article will provide an overview of the scorpions found in Oklahoma, their habits and habitats, how dangerous they are, and how to control them if needed.
Types of Scorpions in Oklahoma
The most common scorpion species found in Oklahoma is the striped bark scorpion (Centruroides vittatus). As the name suggests, these scorpions have two broad dark stripes along their backs. Their color can range from yellowish to tan. Younger striped bark scorpions tend to be darker than adults.
Striped bark scorpions inhabit a wide variety of habitats in Oklahoma, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and rural human structures. During the day, they hide under rocks, logs, and vegetation. At night, they emerge to hunt for prey like insects, spiders, and centipedes.
Two other scorpion species found in Oklahoma are:
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Pseudoscorpion A tiny scorpion-like arachnid with large pincers but no tail or stinger Harmless to humans,
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Giant whip scorpion: A large scorpion with whip-like tails that lack stingers. Also called vinegaroons.
Are Scorpions in Oklahoma Dangerous?
The striped bark scorpion has a mildly venomous sting that can cause pain, swelling, and redness. Thousands of people are stung by this species every year in Oklahoma. The stings are rarely life-threatening except in those allergic to the venom.
Giant whip scorpions are not venomous at all. Pseudoscorpions are also harmless.
So while Oklahoma scorpions can give a painful sting if provoked, they are not considered highly dangerous insects. Their first instinct is to run and hide rather than attack humans.
When and Where to Find Scorpions in Oklahoma
Scorpions are most active at night when they hunt for prey. During the day, they hide in dry, sheltered places.
Good places to find scorpions in Oklahoma include:
- Under rocks, logs, debris, and vegetation
- Inside rural human structures like sheds and barns
- Indoors in attics, basements, under sinks, in closets and cabinets
- Around plumbing areas and A/C units where moisture accumulates
Scorpion sightings tend to increase in Oklahoma during the summer months of July and August. This is due to factors like mating season, construction driving scorpions from their burrows, and monsoon rains flooding their habitats.
Preventing and Controlling Scorpions
To help keep scorpions away from your home, follow these tips:
- Eliminate piles of debris and lumber around the house
- Maintain a one-foot gravel perimeter around the home’s foundation
- Seal cracks in the home’s exterior and around windows/doors
- Repair leaky plumbing and condensation issues
- Use yellow bulbs for exterior lighting to avoid attracting insects at night
Indoors, regularly inspect closets, cabinets, attics, and basements. Seal any cracks found in walls or flooring. Keep woodpiles and debris far from the home’s exterior.
If scorpions become a persistent problem, contact a pest control professional about applying targeted insecticide treatments. Products containing chemicals like pyrethroids are effective for controlling scorpions.
What to Do if Stung
While extremely painful, most scorpion stings in Oklahoma can be treated at home:
- Wash the sting area with soap and water
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed
- Seek medical attention if breathing problems or severe reactions develop
Try to safely catch the scorpion for identification purposes in case medical care is needed. But avoid trying to kill it, as that could result in another sting.
Scorpions play an important role in Oklahoma’s ecosystem and are generally shy creatures. While stings can occur, they are not considered highly dangerous insects within the state. With proper precautions, scorpions can be deterred from homes and safely removed if found indoors. Understanding their habits and habitats allows Oklahomans to co-exist with these fascinating arachnids.
What Scorpions are Found in Oklahoma?
Most people would be surprised to know Oklahoma is home to only one native type of scorpion, the striped bark scorpion. These arachnids get their name because they prefer to live under dead tree bark and vegetation. These light brown to tan scorpions are relatively easy to identify with their eight legs and two stripes that run the entire length of their bodies. These types of scorpions have an identifiable stinger and two pincers. There are rumors of scorpions growing to be more than six inches, but this is not true. The average size of the Striped Bark Scorpion is about two inches. Scorpions do not have good eyesight. They do not chase their prey but would rather lie in wait.
A significant difference between scorpions of other regions and the Striped Bark Scorpion is that it does not burrow. It prefers to hide under vegetation, rocks, and rubble. Dark, cool areas are their preferred hiding spot. Common locations for the Striped Bark Scorpion inside your home include closets, under furniture, and inside cabinets. This native Oklahoma scorpion is a nocturnal animal that prefers to come out at night when it is cooler. Bark scorpions are predators whose main diet consists of ants, crickets, cockroaches, flies, and other arachnids.
The Striped Bark Scorpion would much rather hide under a log than attack a person; however, if threatened, they will sting. The sting will be pretty painful but is rarely fatal. Most healthy adults will experience some itching, burning, and discomfort, much like a bee or wasp sting. However, medical attention should be sought immediately if an individual has an allergic reaction to scorpion venom. Young children and the elderly are also more susceptible to scorpion venom.
Scorpions in Oklahoma
FAQ
Are the scorpions in Oklahoma poisonous?
The scorpions found in Oklahoma are not considered dangerously poisonous; however, if stung, one may want to consult a physician.
Should I be concerned if I found a scorpion in my house?
- Stay Calm : Most scorpions are not dangerous, but it’s best to avoid panic.
- Keep Your Distance : Do not attempt to touch or provoke the scorpion.
- Contain the Area : If possible, close doors to the room where the scorpion is located to prevent it from moving to other areas of your home.
- Capture It
- Release It
How to get rid of scorpions in house in Oklahoma?
Use glue traps indoors to capture scorpions and the insects they eat alike. Seal off any holes, gaps, or cracks found in the exterior walls of the house using caulk or another appropriate sealant. Check the weatherstripping on doors and windows, replacing any that has apparent holes, gaps or cracks.
How bad is a bark scorpion sting?
Bark scorpion
Scorpion stings are painful but rarely life-threatening. Healthy adults usually don’t need treatment for scorpion stings. Young children and older adults are most at risk of serious complications. Scorpions are arthropods — a relative of insects, spiders and crustaceans.
Are scorpions dangerous in Oklahoma?
While you may encounter a scorpion in the home or the wild in Oklahoma, they are not something to worry about unless you provoke them. You can ignore them or remove them with care. Use preventative measures to reduce the risk of having a scorpion in your home.
What should I do if I see a scorpion in the wild?
If you see a scorpion in the wild, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Even if you accidentally lifted a rock it was hiding under, the likelihood of the scorpion rushing off for cover is higher than it attacking you. In the wild, walk away and leave the scorpion to go about its business. Do not provoke it to see what it will do.
When do scorpions mate?
Scorpions mate in the fall or early spring. After an elaborate courtship process, lasting anywhere from 24 to 36 hours, it can take from five months to over a year for the eggs to mature within the female. Females do not lay eggs; the young are born alive in semi-transparent sacs.