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Did I just see a Scorpion?

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Whenever you hear of a scorpion, it may conjure up images of the Sahara Desert. Believe it or not, there are actually between three and five different species of scorpions in Oklahoma! In this article we will discuss some of the attributes of Oklahoma’s common Bark Scorpion.

Did I just see a Scorpion?

Bark Scorpions can be found in various locations such as: woodpiles, closets, beds, garages, cellars, attics, under rocks, sheds, and near ponds. It is common to see these little guys in the OKC metro area, so we will list some of their attributes.

  • Appearance – Bark Scorpions are actually smaller that most other scorpions at approximately 1-2 inches long. They have a long, slender body with four pairs of  legs and two narrow pincer-like arms. Their tail will typically curl over them with a poison gland and stinger at the end of it.
  • Diet – Scorpions are actually nocturnal creatures, and will consume insects, bugs, spiders and other scorpions too.
  • Their Stinger –  Most people have seen “that movie” where someone gets stung by multiple scorpions, and the results weren’t’ pretty. Still, a sting from a bark scorpion isn’t something to mess around with. Their stings can produce severe pain, numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficultly breathing, respiratory paralysis, and even convulsions. In this day and age, death is rare, as anti venom is available in severe cases. Some people can even experience life-threatening effects from the venom, much like how certain individuals experience similar allergic reactions to a bee sting.

Having a scorpion problem can be a real pain (no pun intended). Contact The Bug Guy for scorpions or any other pest control problems here in the OKC area!

Johnson Jumping Spider- Pest Control OKC

Pest Control OKC Shares Information On Johnson Jumping Spiders

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Pest Control OKC: Watching For Jumping Spiders

You may have already known that Oklahoma is home to many different species of creepy crawling insects, but did you know it is also home to many different arachnids? It’s true and today, our pest control OKC team is sharing information on Johnson Jumping Spiders.

Unlike other spiders, a Johnson Jumping Spider will not build a web in order to catch food. Instead, the spider ventures out during the daytime to find prey. They mostly feed on smaller invertebrates such as; caterpillars, moths, and flies. They have also been known to eat other spiders. Our pest control OKC team thinks that one of the most unique things about this tiny spider is the ability to jump over five times the length of its own body. This makes it a bit difficult for prey to outrun the little hunter.

When it comes to reproducing, this is when the web building begins. The female spider will weave a funnel-shaped web for the sole purpose of laying eggs. They will often do this under rocks or hidden between two objects to protect their offspring.

To help you identify what a Johnson Jumping Spider looks like in person, below are a few simple descriptions based upon observation of our pest control OKC team.

Johnson Jumping Spiders are:

  • About 0.28 inches to 0.51 inches long
  • The males are black with a completely red abdomen
  • The females are black with a red abdomen, but also have a black line down the middle of the abdomen
  • They have tiny hairs on their legs and abdomen

The real trouble caused by these spider bites happens if the person is allergic to venom or allows a bacterial infection to enter the wound. If someone is allergic to the venom other more serious symptoms may occur such as; chills, headaches, vomiting, and painful muscles and joints. This may require medical attention! Bacterial infections can cause even more pain and swelling. If you are bitten it is important to cleanse the area.

Reports, that our pest control OKC team have found, indicate that the Johnson Jumping Spider bite is not normally deadly. Instead, most of the bites that occur from a Johnson Jumping Spider just cause a bit of pain. In most cases, the spider bite will produce pain similar to a wasp sting and cause a swelling at the bite site which can last for several days.

Whether allergic or not, our pest control OKC team would warn to steer clear of these tiny jumpers!

If you’re in need of some assistance to keep your yard free from insects or spiders, please don’t hesitate to give our pest control OKC team a call. You may reach The Bug Guy at 405-973-5522.

Fire Ants- OKC Pest Control

OKC Pest Control Team Warns Of Fire Ant Stings

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OKC Pest Control: Making Your Yard Safe

Not many people would willingly allow themselves to be bitten or stung by an insect for the purpose of scientifically cataloging the pain into an index, but that is precisely what Justin Schmidt did in 1983. As our OKC pest control team has learned, a common person, like Schmidt catalogs the pain of a fire ant sting to be a level 1 on a scale that goes up to 4, with 4 being the worst pain. In the worst case scenarios; however, there have been plenty of stories of people who have had volatile reactions and some even die from fire ant stings.

Today, our OKC pest control team would like to share what we have found in regards to what is considered a normal reaction to a fire ant attack and what should be cause for concern.

What is considered to be a “normal” reaction to a fire ant attack?

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Redness
  • Itching

A fire ant sting often begins with a pinching or burning type of pain lasting anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Next, a person may feel itching or burning that may be mild or intense. The itching sensation tends to get stronger over the next few days producing a mark or wounds that are pus-filled blisters which are round and may look like pimples. Most stings heal on their own without treatment, but can be soothed with a cool compress on the infected area.

What are allergic reactions or more extreme reactions to fire ant attacks?

  • Vomiting
  • Severe Swelling
  • Dizziness
  • Disorientation
  • Wheezing Or Difficulty Breathing

Breathing difficulties, changes in consciousness, severe swelling, and similar symptoms within an hour of the sting require emergency medical treatment!

Keep in mind that children and pets can be at risk of being stung by fire ants in your yard.

If you have spotted fire ants (red bodies) in your yard or near your home, don’t hesitate to contact The Bug Guy. Our OKC pest control team would love to help remove the risk of fire ants from your property. Our OKC pest control team can be reached by calling 405-973-5522.