Third generation Arizonan.
We were always taught to not
put your hand where you can't see, shake out your boots before putting
them on, and LISTEN.
I live in N. Central Phoenix, former citrus
area, and we have scorpions. Some may have been imported when we moved
Dad's stuff in from the desert 30 mi. out of town, as we have two varieties.
The only time anyone has been stung is when they reach under stacks of
boards that were left undisturbed, and PUT THEIR HANDS WHERE THEIR EYES
COULDN'T SEE. Unfortunately, I have also seen them in the house, which
is understandable because our dog door is just a loose flap! They usually
chase crickets into the house, so if you remove hiding places for scorpions
and crickets near the doors, there won't be much of a problem. The Bug
Man can't really kill scorpions, but they can eliminate crickets. I usually
try to make my backyard friendly for bug eaters. We have lots of geckos,
birds, wall lizards, bats, owls, etc. No poisoning the environment in
MY yard (exception for termites). The young cat loves to hunt birds, but
recently she seems to be eating scorpions, too. You need to know their
habits. They come out at night, and in the day, hide in dark places like
under rocks and old wood and leaves. My brother is a Dr. and all he
would give to someone who has been stung by a scorpion is Valium, because
one of the side effects is anxiety. Black widow spiders are also creepy,
but not aggressive, and we generally go out at night and stomp them when
they are in full view on their webs, and gather egg sacks up and remove
to garbage. I only saw one rattle snake upclose, and that was in someone's
house in S. Arizona| Arizona | (air-i'-ZON-u') | The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada. |
. I was frightened but also very thankful that it had coiled
and rattled loudly to warn me. I called my hostess and she got her man
to kill it. This was at night, and it was just trying to find a way out
of the house.
So, remember, even though you don't speak the same language,
these critters are just trying to live in their ancient neighborhoods.
Lu
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