Bark Scorpions in Phoenix, AZ
Located in the midst of the Sonoran Desert, which boasts a massive variety of wildlife, it’s little surprise that Phoenix homes are a popular choice for local pests. While most of them are harmless, the Arizona Bark Scorpion is very poisonous. Knowing how to identify and deal with them can make a huge difference in and around your home, so keep reading to learn more.
What Are Bark Scorpions?
Bark Scorpions are a common scorpion species found in Southwestern United States and the only deadly scorpion in Arizona. These nocturnal arachnids are perfectly adapted to desert life and have remained relatively unchanged for millions of years. Moreover, they are a critical part of the Sonoran Desert’s food chain, making them an important creature in the region, despite their bad reputation.
Bark Scorpion Size
Arizona Bark Scorpions are small in size. Male specimens generally grow to about 8 centimeters (3.14 inches) in length, and females reach about 7 (2.75 inches). Their small size and pale beige coloring can make them difficult to spot, even for the most eagle-eyed among us!
Striped Bark Scorpion
While they’re closely named, live in the same area, and are even related, the Striped Bark Scorpion and the Arizona Bark Scorpion are different in several key ways, including:
- Size: The Striped Bark Scorpion is smaller than its cousin, rarely exceeding 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) in length.
- Appearance: With a characteristic dark stripe running along the abdomen, a thicker tail, and slightly larger pincers, the Striped Bark Scorpion is visually distinct from the Arizona Bark Scorpion.
- Venom: Striped Bark Scorpions are nothing to take lightly. Their painful stings, similar to a bad wasp sting, pack a significant punch, and the effects of their venom can last for several hours. While that doesn’t sound like fun, the sting of the Arizona Bark Scorpion is much worse.
Bark Scorpion Stings
Bark Scorpion stings are both highly painful and potentially life-threatening. In fact, they are the most venomous scorpions in all of North America! In addition to the severe pain, their venom can cause shortness of breath, numbness, tingling, and vomiting in adults and typically lasts between 1 to 3 days. As if that weren’t enough, a sting often leads to temporary dysfunction of the stung area, including convulsions and numbness.
The pain associated with a Bark Scorpion sting is often compared to an electric shock. And while only two fatalities related to their stings have been recorded in Arizona since 1968, immediate medical attention is still highly recommended. An FDA-approved antivenom, available at hospitals across the region, has been shown to significantly shorten and reduce the intensity of symptoms.
In the event of a Bark Scorpion sting, you should immediately:
- Thoroughly clean the area with soap and water.
- Apply a cold compress.
- Take acetaminophen to reduce localized swelling.
- Seek medical attention or call the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222, particularly if the victim is a young child or elderly adult.
While a Bark Scorpion sting is severe, it should be noted that this species is not known to display aggression toward humans. Stings typically occur when a scorpion is provoked, so when you come across one in your home or in the wild, stay away from it and enlist professional scorpion control when necessary.
Where to Find Bark Scorpions in Phoenix
Like most scorpion species, the Bark Scorpion is nocturnal, and therefore, sightings and encounters are far more common at night. Like other scorpion varieties, they’re attracted to moisture, which means that areas of dense vegetation, particularly with mesquite, cottonwood, and sycamore groves, are preferred habitats.
This attraction to moisture, however, is often what brings them into your house. For example, potted plants, irrigated lawns, gardens, pool areas, bathrooms, and crawl spaces are all favorites of local scorpions. Scorpions also prefer to stay hidden whenever possible, which means that they often take cover underneath furniture, in cabinets, rock or wood piles, storage areas, or even in shoes.
Preventing Bark Scorpions
Despite all of this, you are more than capable of preventing Bark Scorpions from entering your home! A few of the best tips on preventing Bark Scorpions in Phoenix include:
- Make sure that cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation are properly sealed.
- Regularly inspect areas of your house in which scorpions like to hide in order to prevent them from establishing a standing population in your home.
- Keep firewood at least 30 feet away from your house.
- Clear brush and debris out of your yard before it piles up.
- Refrain from using outdoor lights as they attract crickets, scorpions’ favorite food.
DIY Scorpion Repellent
On top of following those steps, you can easily make a DIY scorpion repellent. Bark Scorpions are put off by intense smells, so mixing about 20 drops of lavender, cedar, peppermint, or cinnamon into a quart of water can make a remarkably effective solution. Just spray it around doors, windows, or anywhere else that scorpions may likely try to sneak through. Performed along with our recommended scorpion prevention methods, a repellent spray can provide your home with significant and long-lasting protection!
Call Greenleaf for Professional Scorpion Removal
As a locally-owned and operated pest control company with more than 20 years of experience to our name, we have our fair share of expertise in scorpion control in Phoenix. With our available same-day appointments and a satisfaction guarantee, you can depend on us to come through every time! Don’t let hazardous local pests put your loved ones in danger, and book your FREE inspection today!
