Scorpions are survivors. These creepy crawlers have been around for a long, long time, and are known for their vicious sting. But where did they come from, and what can you do about them? Keep reading to learn about scorpions in Las Vegas, and how professional pest control can help.
Where did scorpions come from?
These adaptable arthropods are closely related to spiders and ticks, and their family contains over 2,000 species. These creatures first appeared in the Silurian Period, some 440 million years ago.
It’s theorized that scorpions evolved from a giant water scorpion and were originally marine creatures, similar to crabs. They had gills and largely lived in the water. The earliest fossils of scorpions are associated with marine creatures. Over time, scorpions evolved to be land creatures. Now they exist on every continent except Antarctica.
Where do scorpions live?
Typically, these creatures are thought to be desert dwellers. But their ability to adapt and survive in extremes allows them to live in places like Brazilian Rainforests and the Himalayas.
Their usual diet consists of insects, but their diet can vary depending on their environment, once again demonstrating their unmatched survivability.
What scorpions are deadly?
Though only 30 or 40 species of the nearly 2,000 are venomous, these creatures are still largely feared by humans. The Bark Scorpion, a species that is commonly found in Arizona and Nevada delivers a sting similar to electric jolts. However, the sting is easily treated and no one has died in the last forty years from the Bark Scorpion.
Thankfully, this is the only species of deadly scorpion that can be found naturally in the United States. The fat-tailed scorpion, Brazilian yellow scorpion, and Death Stalker scorpion (among others) are found in more exotic regions of Asia and South America.
Non-deadly scorpions, however, are commonly found in the United States, especially in the southwestern desert states.
In Las Vegas, the dangerous bark scorpion can be found, but so can the less dangerous Emperor scorpion and Desert hairy scorpion.
Where can you find scorpions?
Though scorpions survive in the toughest of conditions, they still like to stay out of the sun and can often be found burrowed beneath the desert dirt or under rocks. Even when put to the test of freezing temperatures, scorpions have shown their resilience by thawing from the cold and returning to normal activity.
When in places like Nevada where scorpions are a little more common, be sure to shake out your shoes before putting them on and be careful when turning over stones or piles of debris.
What should I do if I find a scorpion?
If you do encounter scorpions where they shouldn’t be, especially in your home, contact Las Vegas Pest Control to eliminate the problem. Our expert scorpion treatment plans are frequently used in Las Vegas and surrounding areas to help protect our customers from dangerous stings.
Contact us today for a free estimate on scorpion removal!
