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We don't have scorpions in Minnesota, do we? Well, maybe not THOSE scorpions, but these pseudoscorpions could indeed be in your home here in the North Star State!

I have to say, I was today's days old when I first heard of pseudoscorpions. But, thanks to an online post from my colleague, Abby, who works for our sister radio station up in St. Cloud, I know about them now-- and how they could be in any of our homes here in Minnesota!

First, let's get right to it: pseudoscorpions look menacingly disgusting, don't they?!? I mean, look at those pinchers! But here's the thing: Unlike the scorpions we're all familiar with (the ones that live in the desert and can sting you), these pseudoscorpions may look fierce, but are, in reality, harmless.

That's right. Pseudoscorpions ARE related to scorpions, but according to the University of Minnesota Extension, they're arachnids and are more closely related to spiders, ticks, and mites. And, they pose no harm to us humans or our pets. Pseudoscorpions are really tiny-- about 2 millimeters long-- and are usually found outside. Occasionally, though, they make their way inside, usually hitching a ride on other bugs, like on flies, beetles or even on firewood.

Outside, they like high humidity locations and are found in leaf litter, moss, under tree bark and stones, and in bird and mammal nests. If they make it inside, you're most likely to find them in damp places like basements, bathrooms or laundry rooms. They actually look more like crabs than scorpions because they don't have that familiar, curled up, stinging tail that other scorpions do. They're more common during warm weather seasons, like spring and summer.

But, once again, they won't hurt you, as the U of M Extension notes:

Pseudoscorpions are harmless to people and pets.
They cannot bite or sting.
The poison gland used for feeding is NOT harmful to humans or pets.
They are not destructive to food, clothes or property.

While finding one inside is rare, the Extension does offer a few tips on what to do if you see one inside your house: Don't spray an insecticide, instead, slide a tissue, paper towel or piece of paper underneath them and release them outdoors.

So, yeah, the pseudoscorpion-- they're here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes... something I didn't know until today. Speaking of things we don't know, keep scrolling to check out 10 Things About Minnesota You ALSO Probably Don't Know!

Listen to Curt St. John from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5
and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on 103.9 The Doc

10 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Minnesota

10 Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Minnesota

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