Scorpion Migration

• A large number of scorpions exist in the southern parts of the United States. Scorpions do not travel long distances during their lifetime, and therefore interstate relocation is not really possible without human interference.
  
  Flowers, plants, shrubs and trees that are commercially grown in the southern parts of the United States are sold to the northern markets. It is quite possible that scorpions might have been physically transported to the north along with these nursery stock. And, on finding suitable conditions, they have established themselves in northern cities and states.
  
  

Post-Migration Survival

• Scorpions have survived in the northern weather conditions by finding refuge in controlled environments, such as heated malls, offices and homes, and have finally entered buildings and residential dwellings, where they reproduce and multiply in number.
  
  

Life Cycle of a Scorpion

• Scorpions generally mate during the fall or early spring. The process is quite elaborate and lasts for 24 to 36 hours. The eggs take about five months to one year to mature inside the female. However, the female does not lay eggs, but delivers young scorpions, which are born alive in semi-transparent sacs. About 14 to 100 eggs may be present in just one litter. Once the young ones come out of their protective sacs, they feed on the yolk material stored on their bodies and climb on to the back of their mother. They remain there until the first molt, after which they become independent. They are capable of stinging at this stage. The maturity time is about one year. Scorpions can live for 3-5 years, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
  
  

Physical Characteristics

• Depending on the species, scorpions range from one and a half inches to seven inches in length. They have two large pedipalps, or pincers, four legs and a long slender, segmented tail (arched over the back) containing a stinger or a venom gland in the shape of a bulb. Since they have poor vision, they detect their pray using hearing and touch.
  
  

Scorpion Habitat

• Scorpions are nocturnal and prefer to live in dry climates. During the day, they reside under logs, debris, stones or the fallen bark of trees. They make their way into buildings and homes only when their natural habitat is disturbed.
  
  Scorpions seek dry habitats during early summer or late spring. Crevices or cracks in a building give easy entry points. They also prefer areas with controlled moisture levels, such as condensers, air conditioning or evaporator units. Scorpions tend to migrate into homes or buildings only if their natural habitat has been destroyed. They are mostly found in attics, kitchens, bathrooms, crawl spaces and wall voids inside homes. Most scorpion stings occur during the summer, when they leave their hideouts seeking cooler areas. Scorpions are less likely to enter homes during winter because they become sluggish.