Commercial, Industrial & Residential Pest Control | Gauteng
Commercial, Industrial & Residential Pest Control | Gauteng
Your pest problem...our pest solution
Scorpions
Nature's little warriors that will lose the war against us!
These ancient, eight-legged creatures can turn a relaxing evening into a frantic search-and-destroy mission. While they might not be the most welcome guests in your home, it’s hard to deny their fascinating, if somewhat intimidating, presence.
Scorpions are ancient creatures that have been around for over 400 million years — long before the dinosaurs. In South Africa, they are a natural part of the ecosystem and help control other insects and pests.
While their appearance can be intimidating, the good news is this: most scorpions found in and around homes are not dangerous to humans. However, some species do have potent venom, which is why correct identification and professional pest control matter.
South Africa is home to over 120 species of scorpions, but only a small handful are medically significant to people.
Which Scorpions are found in Gauteng?
Most scorpion call-outs in Gauteng involve small, low-risk species that accidentally wander indoors, especially during warmer months or after heavy rain.
Although highly venomous scorpions are uncommon in Gauteng, they can occasionally be transported accidentally in firewood, building materials, or luggage.
Here are a list of the most common scorpions found in Gauteng (images below are not indicative of size, image source credit African Snakebite Institute):
Plain Pygmy-Thicktail Scorpion
The most commonly encountered scorpion in Gauteng homes. Small, light brown, and shy.
The venom is mild — comparable to a bee sting for most people.
(Pseudolychas ochraceus)
Common Lesser-Thicktail Scorpion
Often found under bark, stones, or garden debris. The venom is mild and not medically dangerous.
(Uroplectes carinatus)
Highveld Lesser-Thicktail Scorpion
A small species commonly found in Highveld regions. The venom is mild. (Uroplectes triangulifer)
Bark Scorpion
Sometimes found in trees, firewood, or wall crevices.regions. The venom is mild. (Uroplectes vittatus)
Pugnacious Burrowing Scorpion
A burrowing species often found outdoors in soil and rocky areas. The venom is mild, and it uses its pinchers more than venom. (Opistophthalmus pugnax)
Rough Burrower Scorpion
Found in sandy or loose soil. Rarely enters homes. The venom is mild. (Opistophthalmus glabrifrons)
Gunning’s Rock Scorpion
A large, flat scorpion that lives in rocky areas such as the Magaliesberg. The venom is mild, and the sting is often barely noticeable. (Hadogenes gunningi).
Highly venomous Scorpions in South Africa (Rare but Serious)
These species are not commonly found in Gauteng. Still, they do occur elsewhere in South Africa and are medically significant (these are the only South African scorpions linked to serious envenomation and rare deaths):
Transvaal Thicktail Scorpion
Highly venomous. It can cause severe symptoms and, in rare cases, fatalities.
(Parabuthus transvaalicus)
Image Credit: African Snakebite Institute
Granulated / Rough Thicktail Scorpion
One of the most dangerous scorpions in South Africa.
(Parabuthus granulatus)
Image Credit: African Snakebite Institute
Look at the size of the pincers
When it comes to scorpions, “big is not always better.” Those with smaller pincers often have more potent venom because they can’t rely on brute strength to catch their prey. They’ve evolved to pack a bigger punch with their sting instead. In contrast, scorpions with larger pincers are like the bodybuilders of the scorpion world – they can crush their prey, so they don’t need as much venom. Either way, it’s best to keep a safe distance!
Quick rule of thumb:
Small pincers + thick tail = more potent venom
Large pincers + thinner tail = milder venom
Know your enemy
These sneaky critters love burrowing, which means they’re just as fond of your rock features and potted plants as you are.
And if you’ve got a bug problem, well, you’re basically throwing a party for scorpions and other predators. But here’s the thing: scorpions need water to survive, so they won’t shy away from puddles or stagnant water.
So, keep your garden tidy, and you’ll not only keep scorpions at bay, but also the bugs they love to snack on. It’s like a two-for-one pest control deal!
Did you know?
- Ancient Creatures: Scorpions have been around for over 435 million years, long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
- Glowing in the Dark: Scorpions have a special trick – they glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. This helps them locate each other at night and might even protect them from sunlight
- Long Lifespan: Unlike many other arachnids, scorpions can live up to 10 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity.
- Super Survival Skills: Scorpions can survive without food for a year and hold their breath for up to six days. Talk about being resilient!
Pestinators' Scorpion Control
If you are finding scorpions in or around your home — especially repeatedly — professional control is recommended. Scorpions often hide in roof voids, wall cavities, firewood piles, and gardens, and DIY treatments rarely address the root cause.
Pestinators offers professional scorpion control solutions designed to reduce both scorpion activity and the insects they feed on.
- Assess the Infestation: We start by inspecting your property to identify areas where scorpions are most active. This helps us develop a targeted treatment plan.
- Seal Entry Points: We seal all cracks, crevices, and gaps around your home to prevent scorpions from entering. This includes using materials like copper mesh to block their entry.
- Insecticide Application: We use specialized insecticides to create a barrier around your home. These products are effective at repelling and killing scorpions.
- Indoor Treatments: For indoor infestations, we apply insecticidal dusts in hard-to-reach areas like wall voids and attics. This ensures thorough coverage and long-lasting results.
- Preventive Measures: We recommend regular maintenance, such as clearing yard debris and managing vegetation, to prevent future infestations.
- Follow-Up Inspections: After treatment, we conduct follow-up inspections to ensure the scorpions are gone and to prevent reinfestation.
- Adhesive Traps: In some cases, we use adhesive traps to capture and remove scorpions from your property.