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Scorpions in North Carolina |
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Southern Devil ScorpionUnknown to many Western North Carolina residents, there is a species of scorpion that resides in the region. According to Dr. Rudy Hillmann, retired Extension Entomologist from N.C. State University, the type that we have locally is called the Southern Devil Scorpion,Vejovis carolinianus. Little has been written about this species. It is uniformly brown and about one inch in length when fully grown. The reported range of this scorpion in this state is from Lake Hiawasee in Cherokee County, NC to Polk County, NC. However, it has been reported from other areas of the state as well. In addition, we've had numerous reports of other scorpions, particularly the striped bark scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and Centruroides hentzi which were most likely introduced accidentally in goods moved from their native areas and they are quite likely becoming established in North Carolina.
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 Southern Devil Scorpion, Vejovis carolinianus (Courtesy of Chris Bartol, Tryon, NC) |
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Scorpion HabitatScorpions are normally found living outdoors under the loose bark of trees and logs, under logs and stones on the ground. Around homes, they prefer wood piles, crumbling stone, brick foundations, or inside the crawlspace of a house, particularly if old building materials like lumber are stored there. The diet of scorpions normally consists of insects, millipedes, spiders and sometimes very small reptiles. Although we generally associate scorpions with dry desert-like conditions, the Southern Devil Scorpion is usually found in very moist areas because that is where their prey is found. Many homeowners become alarmed when they see a live scorpion scurrying across their carpet or find a dead one in their closet. Often dead scorpions are found in recessed lighting fixtures in a home.
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 Female scorpion carrying offspring (Courtesy of Chris Bartol, Tryon, NC) |
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Do Not Be AlarmedUnfortunately, the sighting of one scorpion sends people into a nervous panic. Although the Southern Devil Scorpion can sting, there is little danger of death. Individuals who are already allergic to insect stings need to be more cautious. The sting of a scorpion is painful, so folks that have sighted a few in their home may want to take some simple precautions. The easiest step to take is to vigorously shake clothing before wearing. Shaking is particularly useful with shoes stored in a closet. Scorpions tend to be more active at night so beds should not touch the room walls. In houses where scorpions have been seen before, individuals should not walk barefooted at night.
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Control MeasuresFolks that have scorpions will go to any measure to rid their property of them. The easiest and perhaps most cost effective tasks that homeowners can perform are: the filing of openings around plumbing fixtures with foam insulation, repairing of loose fitting doors and windows, the caulking of cracks in basement walls and foundations, the removal of stored building materials in the basement or crawl space, and the removal of debris, including firewood stacks away from the house. It is a good practice to check firewood before bringing it indoors as well. Always wear gloves when handling firewood or cleaning up debris piles. Control of scorpions by chemical methods can be difficult and thus is the least preferred route to take. The reason insecticides do not work well is because scorpions can survive for several months without feeding. Scorpions have been known to live for six months without food and water and may hide for two months after feeding. Therefore a product with a long residual action is needed to await their emergence. Several insecticides have some effectiveness against scorpions and are available for consumer use.
However, the most effective and safest applications are probably best performed by a licensed pest control professional. Indoor treatments should be directed to the baseboards (a "crack & crevice treatment"), corners and closets where the scorpions (and their prey) might hide. Extreme care must be exercised when spraying in a confined area like a closet or where food and cooking surfaces or utensils could be contaminated. Exterior treatments should include spraying the foundation and around doors, windows and other possible entry points. Pay close attention to rock piles and around stacks of firewood. Stones used for landscaping or bark mulches can occasionally harbor scorpions. A general treatment of crawlspaces exist may be useful and is probably best left to professionals. Information provided by: John Vining, County Extension Director, Polk County (rev. June 2001) Resources: - Dr. Rudy Hillmann, Extension Specialist and Associate Professor Emeritus, NCSU - Dr. Mike Waldvogel, Extension Entomologist, NCSU - Grounds Maintenance Magazine, October, 1984 | |||||||||||
Pest information and control recommendations presented here were developed for North Carolina and may not be appropriate for other states or regions. Any recommendations for the use of chemicals are included solely as a convenience to the reader and do not imply that insecticides are necessarily the sole or most appropriate method of control. Any mention of brand names or listing of commercial products or services in the publication does not imply endorsements by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against similar products or services. All recommendations for pesticide use were legal at the time of publication, but the status of pesticide registrations and use patterns are subject to change by actions of state and federal regulatory agencies. Individuals who use chemicals are responsible for using these products according to the regulations in their state and to the guidelines on the product label. Before applying any chemical, always obtain current information about its use and read the product label carefully. For assistance, contact the Cooperative Extension Center in your county. Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. |
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