By Aaron Gonzales, Founder & COO of Slick Barrier

June 14 marked the start of Arizona’s monsoon, which annually replenishes the dry land and diminishes wildfire threats across the state. According to the National Weather Service, much of the area will receive 30 to 50 percent of the annual rainfall during June, July, August and September.

Heavy monsoon rainfall can flush scorpions out of their ideal hiding places, leading to heightened arachnid activity. These storms leave behind flooding, puddles and humidity, and these sources of moisture provide scorpions the ideal conditions to breed, find shelter and attain sustenance. 

Arizona is known for the bark scorpion which is the most toxic scorpion in North America. A bark scorpion’s stings can lead to hospital visits, especially for the vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly and those allergic to their venom.

As we enter monsoon season, it’s vital for Arizonans to learn how to prevent an infestation of these desert dwellers in the home.

Scorpions will find their way into a house during monsoon through openings where home foundations meet stucco walls. As rain hits, Phoenicians can expect to see these dangerous critters crawling across the floor or hiding in shoes and piles of debris.

Below are two key tips to keep yourself, and your kids, pets and family safe from scorpions this summer. 

Remove scorpion shelter

Many homeowners only utilize pesticides to treat scorpions, but removing areas where scorpions build shelter is an important step in protection. Scorpions love to hide in walls, ceilings and outdoor accessories like folding chairs, umbrellas and pool floats. 

It’s important for homeowners to clear and move any debris away from the house and trim foliage that could be touching the house. If a tree is leaning onto the roof, its branches give scorpions a ladder onto the home. Firewood should especially be kept at a distance from the house to prevent scorpions from building their nests.

Scorpions cannot be controlled with pesticides only

It can take months to eliminate an adult scorpion with pesticides alone because of the arachnid’s larger body size and thicker cuticle. Its exoskeleton provides protection from predators, and it will develop a tolerance over time to the pesticides, making it difficult for long-term removal. Even if the pesticide begins to work, it won’t necessarily prevent scorpions from entering the home. In most cases, half-dead scorpions can still sting a person.

While the idea of encountering a scorpion can be terrifying to any Arizona resident, it’s important to know these facts in order to take proper precautions to help prevent scorpion entry into their home. You can consult with a professional service to have your home sealed against scorpions, or explore a DIY exterior coating that dries to a smooth, glass-like finish that makes it impossible for scorpions and other pests to crawl on. This can prevent scorpions from using the home as a hideout during monsoon, and all year long.