Scorpions: Armed, dangerous and glow in the dark? - AmericaNowNews.com

Scorpions: Armed, dangerous and glow in the dark?

The nightmarish appearance of the scorpion is enough to scare just about anyone.  Now these scary little creatures are coming out of their desert 'closet' and making unwelcome appearances all across America!

It's a fatal fact: For every person killed by a venomous snake worldwide, 10 die from scorpion stings. In the U.S., scorpions have spread from their native habitats to most other states by hitching a ride in shipping containers and luggage. 

America's most dangerous scorpion is the bark scorpion. And when we say bark we don't mean, ARF... we mean OUCH!

Our animal and bug pro, Jules Sylvester says, "The bark scorpion lives in the Tucson area all the way down to the Mexican border and across the border." If you or your child gets bitten by this scorpion, get to the hospital fast -- it can and will kill children.   

Scorpions deliver their venom through a stinger or small barb at the end of their tail.  One of the most common places people get stung are on their feet.  So if you're going to leave your shoes outside, beware that you might have company next time you slip them on -- be sure to shake them out to avoid getting stung.

Largely nocturnal, scorpions are most likely to strike at night. They also glow in the dark.

To help prevent a scorpion infestation, remove trash, logs and debris from around your home.  Caulk cracks, weather strip and repair screens to keep these and other insects out.  And if you go camping, be sure to check your clothing and sleeping bag every few hours.

Sylvester offers one final reminder when it comes to scorpions: "The bigger the claws, the less venomous the scorpion.  If he's got little, tiny, skinny claws the chances are his venom is very powerful."

Copyright 2011 America Now.  All rights reserved.

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