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Caption: Pseudoscorpin

Photo by: Lindsay du Toit

Pseudoscorpions

(revision date: 7/14/2015)

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful pest management.

Biology

Pseudoscorpions are flattened, oval-shaped, and related to spiders. Pseudoscorpions are commonly found in houses but also occur outside under loose bark, dead leaves, etc. Although these tiny creatures (usually in the neighborhood of 1/8 inch long) somewhat resemble true scorpions, they lack a stinging mechanism and are thus harmless. They feed mostly on small insects, and are therefore beneficial. Pseudoscorpions spin small, disk-shaped, whitish, cocoon-like structures in which they lay eggs, overwinter, or shed their skins. These cocoon-like structures may be found in various locations (floor joists, firewood, etc.) where pseudoscorpions have been present.

Management Options

Non-Chemical Management

Avoid stacking firewood indoors.
Only bring in the amount of wood you are going to burn at any one time.
Examine clothes drying on outdoor clothes lines before bringing them inside as they are sometimes found here as well.

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides

None recommended.

Images

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Caption: Pseudoscorpin Photo by: Lindsay du Toit

WSU Extension

Pestsense