Insects and Scorpions - Oh My!

Termites. TERMITES EVERYWHERE. At least that's how I felt after we got our inspection report back on the pending sale of our home. If you haven't guessed it, we had the surprise "termite find" in our report. This got me wondering what type of surprises involving bugs we could have in Israel. 

First question: Are there termites in Israel?
Short answer, yes. Thanks to Mr. Barosh, a certified exterminator in Israel, I found out all kinds of interesting information on termites. For example, most termites build their nests in dry wood and wood products; however, in Israel two of the most common species of termites build their nests in the ground. Also, termites are social insects with a hiarchy of power - a king, queen, soldiers, and workers. Check out the termite page here for more information specific to Israeli termites (and how to get rid of them). 

Second question: What other types of unwanted critters will we find in Israel?
This also lead me to wonder what other types of critters we will come in contact with once we get settled. I found a fantastic post about this from Adventures in AliyahLand called Bug OFF! The most common critters found in Israel (that cause people unwanted trouble):

• head lice
• cockroaches
• mosquitoes
• ants
• food moths

Looks similar to the unwanted critters found here in the U.S. 

Third question: What should I know about scorpions if I'm in the Negev?
Last but not least - SCORPIONS (which I know are not technically insects, but who can have a post on unwanted critters without mentioning scorpions)! This is especially true if you plan to settle in the Negev. I came across this video and just for fun decided to share it with you. 

There are two different poisonous scorpions to watch out for, especially in the spring and summer seasons. Both of these have pretty frightening vernacular names: Deathstalker (Palestine Yellow Scorpion) and Southern Man-Killer (Androctonus Australis). Interestingly, the scorpions venom from his tail is only released during his first sting. They may sting more than one time, but only the first sting will release venom. If you run into any scorpions, spiders, or snakes while in the Negev, check out the Hadassah Medical Center page for information.

Deathstalker

Southern Man-Killer

Basically what I learned - If you see a yellow scorpion running after you, don't stop to admire it! Yellow = Bad