Ordering

Both belong to the class Arachnoidea and do not have the known characteristics of insects (three body parts, six legs, etc.). Their body is divided into two parts, the cephalothorax and the abdomen.

Biology

Scorpions, depending on the species, have a size ranging from 3cm up to 18cm. They are nocturnal and during the day they hide in hot, humid and dark places such as under stones, in crevices of rocks and even inside houses, in dark corners or under furniture. The female lays 20-30 eggs. Scorpions eat insects, spiders and other small bugs.

The common house spider is about 10 mm long without legs. The female lays about 250 eggs in a silk bag placed in the center of the tissue. Located in buildings, walls and basements. The Mediterranean spider (Loxosceles rufescens) is usually found in warehouses, attics, under stones or piles of wood.

Health Significance

Both spiders and scorpions are venomous, in the sense that they produce venom to kill their victims. However, they are considered relatively harmless to humans and their bites usually occur from accidental contact while cleaning areas where they are usually hidden. The amount of venom is relatively small and usually causes severe pain, irritation or swelling.

Management Ways

Prevention: The first measure is to limit the points they use as shelters. Stones that leave gaps, piles of bricks, wood and other materials must be removed.

Monitoring: Frequent inspections by experts help to assess the situation in places where such species are expected to be found.

They are fought with residual sprays where they frequent.

For scorpions, the walls should be sprayed externally up to a height of 60 cm from the ground, paying special attention to damage or cracks in the walls. Internally the spray is applied at the bottom of the entrances (doors-windows), on the skirting and in dark places where they can serve as shelters for the scorpions.