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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.

Scorpions- Pest Control OKC

Pest Control OKC Reports Of Scorpions In Oklahoma

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Pest Control OKC: The Facts About Scorpions

Oklahoma has become very well known over the last few years for its very hot summers. It’s this very dry type of climate that makes it easier for scorpions to survive in our state. Today, our pest control OKC team would like to share some facts about scorpions.

Interestingly enough, while they like dry climates, these arachnids (not insects) are very sensitive to the moisture loss from their body. This is why scorpions often hide during the day in locations that provide plenty of shade. Since they do require moisture they have been known to make their ways indoors, as well. Many pest control OKC customers report to seeing scorpions in bathtubs, sinks, or darkened areas where there may be a water source.

While there are approximately fifty different species of scorpions all over the United States, it has been estimated that Oklahoma has between three and five species living here. The only common scorpion reported to be across the entire state is called the Bark Scorpion. This is the most commonly seen scorpion by our pest control OKC team members!

How you can identify a Bark Scorpion:

  • An adult Bark Scorpion is between 1-3 inches long.
  • Coloring is tan, but ranges from all yellowish brown without any markings to striped with stripes running from head to tail.
  • Dark triangle mark on the front of the head above their eyes.

While these scorpions prefer to feed on crickets, roaches, beetles, and other small insects they have and will sting humans.

The venom from scorpions in Oklahoma is not usually considered fatal as in most circumstances the sting produces only a temporary, mild swelling. Our pest control OKC team has; however, found reports of some people experiencing numbness, tingling, vomiting, and/or convulsions. In more extreme cases, some people may be immobilized or experience difficulty in breathing. As with any allergy, people with sensitivities to venom may have worsened conditions, but survival is possible if they receive an injection of anti-venom in a timely manner to counteract the sting’s effects.

If you discover that you have a problem with scorpions entering your home, our pest control OKC team would be happy to help. The Bug Guy can be reached at 405-973-5522.

Black Widow Spider- OKC Pesto Control

OKC Pest Control Recounts A Story Of A Black Widow Bite

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OKC Pest Control Sharing A Tale Of A Painful Experience

A story told in New York Times by Jackson Landers will most likely make you hope to never be bitten by a black widow spider. In his tale, he identifies what what it was like as the venom from a spider bite spread throughout his body. Our pest control OKC team found the details to be quite undesirable. You be the judge.

The Jackson Landers Story:

Jackson Landers’ day started off like any ordinary trip to a fishing hole near his house. When the bite happened, in his shoe, he thought it felt “like a bee sting” or a thorn wedged in his shoe. Of course, he quickly realized upon inspection that the evidence of “two tiny little pin pricks” meant he had in fact been bitten and not stung. Confirmation certainly came when he saw the squashed spider.

Unconcerned, Landers went on about his fishing adventure, catching three fish before feeling the symptoms grow worse. He specifically noted that there was a “warmth” in his abdomen followed by “pressure, which became a painful cramping.” As the venom continued to spread he started to feel waves of muscles spasms in his lower chest. Of course, he knew he had to go to the hospital.

After being checked into an emergency room, Landers reported that the spasms gripped his rib cage “like a vise” and that his “biceps cramped” as he shivered uncontrollably. He described that he could actually feel the venom making its way to his heart.

Thankfully, six hours after being bitten, Landers ended up receiving an experimental anti-venom called Analatro which, for him, ended the pain almost immediately. It was said that had he not received the treatment he would have experienced a slew of other issues including word-slurring, hallucinations, and uncontrollable sweating.

Our Comments:

Now, even though this story had a happy ending, does any of that sound like a situation you ever want to be part of?

If you want to be sure that your property, home, and clothing are safe from spiders, don’t hesitate to give our OKC pest control company a call. The Bug Guy can be reached at 405-973-5522! Our OKC pest control team would love to help you get rid of those icky spiders, before they can get to you!