ARIZONA’S
ULTIMATE GUIDE
TO SCORPIONS
Prepared by:
g
Serving Arizona
locally since 1936
THE SERVICE YOU DESERVE
Scorpions are one of the most feared types of pests due to their ability to deliver a
painful sting. However, you don’t have to be afraid of scorpions. This guide dispels
common myths about scorpions, lists the most common types of scorpions, and provides
tips on preventing scorpion infestations to help you overcome any fears that you may
have about these creatures.
Scorpion Myths and Facts
To help you conquer your fear of scorpions, first we need to dispel the myths
surrounding these fearsome creatures. Understanding the truth about scorpions
can help you to overcome your fears and help prevent victims of scorpion stings
from panicking, which can worsen the effects of a scorpion sting. Below are the
top 5 most common myths about scorpions.
MYTH #1: ALL SCORPION STINGS ARE FATAL
In the United States there is only one species of scorpion out of approximately a
hundred that possesses venom capable of causing human fatality. Unfortunately,
we have this poisonous Bark Scorpion in Arizona.
However, all scorpions are capable of regulating the amount of venom that is
injected during a sting. Since it takes scorpions a lot time to recover their venom
supply, scorpions typically only excrete a small amount of venom during stings
and may not even excrete any venom at all.
Less than 5% of scorpion stings require medical attention each year. Most are no
worse than wasp stings. Even if a poisonous scorpion stings you, antidotes have
severely decreased the likelihood that a scorpion sting will be fatal.
MYTH #2: SCORPIONS CAN BITE AND STING
Scorpions do not have teeth. Scorpions inflict stings with the venom-inflicting barb
on the end of their tail. Although scorpion claws also look dangerous, scorpions
typically only use the tail for defense and shield the rest of their body.
MYTH #3: SCORPIONS STINGS LEAVE A MARK
Scorpion stings often do not leave a mark. It is often difficult to identify a
scorpion sting because of the lack of any visible signs. Scorpion stings are
most identifiable by the burning sensation that immediately occurs followed by
numbness later. Depending on the species of scorpion and the amount of venom
that was injected, the area surrounding a scorpion sting may swell.
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MYTH #4: SCORPIONS ARE AGGRESSIVE
Scorpions do not aggressively pursue humans. Most scorpion stings occur when
humans step on scorpions or reach into an area where scorpions are hiding.
Wearing proper footwear when traveling through areas where scorpions are
common, and never reaching into piles of debris or beneath rocks with bare
hands can help individuals avoid scorpion stings.
MYTH #5: LARGER SCORPIONS ARE
MORE DANGEROUS
The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the smallest species of scorpion in Arizona, typically
about the size of a nickel. Despite the small size, this species of scorpion is the
only scorpion that carries enough venom to kill people. The venom released by
this scorpion is a neurotoxin, which causes uncontrollable muscle movements.
Other species of scorpion common to Arizona, the Giant Hairy Scorpion and the
Striped Tail Scorpion, are much larger than the Arizona Bark Scorpion growing up
to about five inches, but they release much weaker venom.
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Common Species of
Scorpions in Arizona
Now that we’ve dispelled the myths surrounding scorpions, the second step
to overcoming your fear of scorpions is learning to identify different species of
scorpions. Being able to identify different species of scorpions will help you to
recognize and avoid the most dangerous ones.
There are over 50 different known species of scorpions. In fact, scorpions are so
common in Arizona that new species are still being identified today. According to
USA Today, a new species named Vaejovis Deboerae was discovered just this year.
Below are the 4 most common species of scorpions you may come
across in Arizona.
ARIZONA BARK SCORPION
A common type of scorpion found in Arizona is the Arizona Bark Scorpion. This
species of scorpion causes the most concern in Arizona since it is the most
poisonous. The Arizona Bark Scorpion has the strongest venom out of all North
American species and its sting can cause severe pain lasting up to 72 hours.
This scorpion grows to be two to three inches long and is most recognizable by its
slender hands and tail. It prefers rocky areas, and is an excellent climber. However,
it is also a commonly found in homes.
ARIZONA DESERT HAIRY SCORPION
Known also as the “giant hairy scorpion,” this species can be identified by
the trait its name implies. Its metasoma and pedipalps are covered in a dense
layer of setae, which are small, fine hairs. Aside from this notable feature, the
Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion has a dark-colored midsection and
yellow appendages.
The Arizona Desert Hairy Scorpion is also one of the largest scorpions and
can grow up to four inches long. They are most commonly found in Saguaro
forests, and tend to burrow deep in the ground or beneath objects when they
go in search of water.
ARIZONA STRIPE-TAIL SCORPION
The Stripe-Tail Scorpion is frequently sighted in Arizona homes and parks. It
prefers to hide beneath rocks and stands out from other scorpions due to its
distinctive markings. The Stripe-Tail Scorpion grows just under three inches and
has a yellow-brown body. However, the keels of the Stripe-Tail Scorpion have
underlying pigments that give it the appearance of having stripes. In the middle
section of the scorpion, the dorsal keels create tiny spikes.
YELLOW GROUND SCORPION
The Yellow Ground Scorpion is very similar to the Arizona Bark Scorpion.
However, it has a lighter yellow-tan color and granular texture to its body. It can
also be differentiated by its first two metasomal segments which are wider than
they are long. This nocturnal scorpion prefers the Sonoran Desert; however, it
can also be found throughout Arizona communities.
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Another satisfied customer that trusted Arizona exterminating
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Tips for Preventing Scorpions
Now that you know how to identify the most common types of scorpions,
it’s time to learn how to prevent scorpions from infesting your home. While
scorpions play an important role in the environment and will eat many
household pests, preventing them from entering your home will bring you
peace of mind. Here are tips for preventing scorpions.
ELIMINATE ENTRY-POINTS
WITH MAINTENANCE
Keeping scorpions out of buildings is best achieved by ensuring all potential
entry-points are sealed. Scorpions love to enter homes and offices through
cracks beneath and around windows and doors. Sealing these areas with
caulk can be an effective way to prevent infestations. When sealing your
home, check around plumbing and dryer vents as well. Use mesh wire or
caulking to seal off any cracks in these areas.
USE CAUTION IN OUTDOOR AREAS
Scorpions prefer to hide during the day beneath rocks and fallen trees. They
may even burrow into the ground. Often, a scorpion sting will occur when a
person picks up an object that was being used as the scorpion’s shelter.
By using caution when working or playing outdoors, a person can avoid
unwittingly disturbing a scorpion’s hideaway. The Centers for Disease Control
also recommends wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors. Shaking out
outdoor gear before bringing it back inside will ensure that you are not
accidentally bringing scorpions into your home.
CONCLUSION
Although the majority of scorpion stings do not cause major health
problems, they can be painful. Should someone be stung, keep close watch
over the victim and contact the emergency services if unusual symptoms
occur such as difficulty breathing or extreme swelling.
Finally, remember that the best way to handle scorpions is to prevent them
from inhabiting an area in the first place by reducing clutter, sealing off
entry-points, and using caution anytime you are in scorpion territory.
REDUCE CLUTTER AROUND BUILDINGS
Scorpions will seek shelter in log piles, stacks of clothing, and other types
of clutter. Strive to keep clutter around your home to a minimum and keep
outside areas free from piles of trash. If necessary, place logs in a special
holding container that is off the ground. Keeping low bushes trimmed and
the lawn mowed will also eliminate shady areas where scorpions may go to
escape the heat of the sun.
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Although you now know a lot about scorpions, you may still want
to take additional measures to ensure scorpions do not invest your
home. Who should you call to help you protect you home?
The answer is Arizona Exterminating Company (AZT).
If scorpions have been discovered in your home, AZT’s professional
exterminators can help to eliminate all the scorpions as quickly as
possible. Our exterminators will follow up with regular treatments to
ensure that the home remains safe from scorpion infestations.
If scorpions have not been discovered in the home, AZT can help to
prevent scorpion infestations by treating the perimeter around the
home with the most effective solutions for deterring these pests. This
will be done year-round so that the home is always scorpion free.
With our kind, courteous, and professional exterminators, you can
trust that your scorpion problem will be taken care of.
If you are concerned about a scorpion infestation in your
home, call AZT today so you can have peace of mind.
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“Home of the
All Pest Solution”
Arizona Exterminating
Co.
azext.com
(855) 561-4071
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