Scorpions....smooth surfaces and traps

Posted by D on June 15, 2009, 9:59 pm, in reply to "Re: peoplespharmacy.com"
Message modified by board administrator June 15, 2009, 11:59 pm

Hi Mike, On slick shiny metal there is probably not much they could cling to. When I came to Mexico I brought about 13 rolls of 9 inch wide sheet metal just for keeping scorpions out by the "to slick to climb" idea. I still have the rolls of metal but now they are not as shiny. It would be simple to test if it still works, just put a scorpion in a loop of it and see if it gets out. I think it would be a good business to scorpion proof homes, some slick surfaces all around where the house meets the soil or cement and a mini moat or two by the doorways. I think it would go a long way keeping them out. It's at least worth a Google search and or some test runs. Especially in high end resorts where guest are becoming more aware that the stuff you use to kill scorpions etc. can kill you too! One could also make a scorpion trap, a hole with slick surfaces.......some bait inside to tempt them in.....It may even get to the point one of the articles I linked to mentioned and that is....what happens when you eliminate to many of them? You end up with more insects. Balance, its always http://www.webwriter.f2s.com/moody/lyrics/aqob.htm a question of balance. Edit: I did a Google search using the query "scorpion proof" and found some refrences to using smooth surfaces, like Medical and veterinary entomology Prevention and control Pesticides are not generally recommended for controlling scorpions indoors or for preventing their entering homes. Instead appropriate measures can be taken to "scorpion proof" buildings or otherwise significantly reduce the prospects of their entering homes. Entry can be discouraged y raising the floor level at least 20 cm above the ground. A single step to reach the threshold is better than multiple steps and should be separated from the wall of the structure by a gap of 6 cm or more. then installation of a horizontal row of glazed ceramic tiles on the vertical surfaces of steps and around the entire perimeter of a building also will provide a barrier which scorpions cannot readily climb. Smooth exterior wall surfaces, such as planed cement further impede their climbing ability. Worn weather stripping around doors and windows should be replaced, and potential entry sites around water pipes and electrical conduits in foundations should be sealed. To prevent scorpions from gaining access to the roofs of structures, a row of ceramic tiles can also be applied to the outer walls below the roof line. Scorpions can be discouraged from frequenting the immediate vicinity of homes by trimming plantings which touch buildings and removing piles of firewood, lumber, bricks and other materials which serve as harborage. The use of course bark mulches around plants near the foundation of buildings should be avoided for the same reason. In areas where climbing scorpions commonly infest homes measures can be taken to reduce the risk of envenomation. A sheet of muslin or other suitable cloth can be suspended from the ceiling over the sleeping quarters to catch any scorpions that might drop from the roof structure. Mosquito netting over beds affords similar protection. Regular shaking out clothing and footwear before putting them on is highly recommended. It went on to say the same thing that other articles linked to said, rain, someone building a new home or clearing property increases the chance of entry. Edit again - The Scorpion trap idea is also found online using the query "scorpion trap". SCORPION GLUE TRAPS talks about using the sticky surface, similar to mouse traps. Scorpion Control talks about laying damp plywood around your house (it's also big on the portable black light method) Re: A scorpion trap talks about burrying 5 gallon bucket (pit fall trap) by a drift fence (plastic or something which guides the animal to the trap). See http://www.kzoo.edu/pfolio/archive/example/jenks/Herp2.htm here

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