Monsoon Invites Creepy Crawlers

It’s scorpion season. Are you ready? One local company is.

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 spots, leading to heightened arachnid activity. These storms leave behind flooding, puddles and humidity, and these sources of moisture provide scorpions with 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. 

In Scottsdale, residents will also see the striped-bark scorpion and giant hairy scorpion. 

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

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

Slick Barrier, a local business that provides one-of-a-kind pesticide free barrier, is providing two key tips about scorpion pest control during monsoon months to inform Arizonans about how to keep kids, pets and family safe.

Scorpions cannot be contained with pesticides only

It can take months to eliminate an adult scorpion with pesticides alone because of arachnid’s larger body size and thicker cuticle. Its exoskeletons provide 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.

Withdraw scorpion shelter from yards

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.

Additionally, homeowners can keep scorpions out by using products like Slick Barrier, a coating that dries to a glass-like finish. Since the barrier is smooth, pests like scorpions cannot climb it. Slick Barrier is most effective when painted around the foundation of a home, preventing scorpions from using the home as a hideout during monsoon, all summer and winter long. Removing their shelter is the most effective method for maintaining a scorpion-free home.

While the idea of encountering a scorpion can be terrifying to any Arizona residents who’ve only seen photos, it’s important to know these facts so homeowners can take proper actions like using Slick Barrier DIY products or Slick Barrier professional services, to protect their home. 

About Slick Barrier

Slick Barrier is a one-of-a-kind pesticide free barrier that is applied to any building using a one-time clear coat application to completely block any scorpion, mice or insects from entering. The patented technology was developed by childhood friends Aaron Gonzales and Tony Gonzales after each had been negatively impacted by scorpions.