What Phoenix Property Owners Ought To Know About Dangerous Scorpions

bark scorpion up close
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What Phoenix Property Owners Ought To Know About Dangerous Scorpions

Property owners in Phoenix, AZ have a lot to love about the area. Between great restaurants, booming industries, and beautiful hiking trails, Phoenix is the place to be in the Southwest. But if there’s one thing that residents don’t like, it’s the pests – specifically, the scorpions. If you’ve lived in Phoenix long enough, you’ve probably seen a scorpion in or around your property. Make no mistake: certain scorpion species can be dangerous to your home or business, so let’s talk about how to identify and prevent scorpions from getting near your Phoenix home.

Scorpion Identification Guide

There are dozens of scorpion species throughout Arizona, but most of them share similar characteristics. Scorpions are arachnids, and on top of their eight legs, these pests have two long arms that extend past their head. They have elongated bodies that stretch into a sectioned tail, and that tail ends with a venomous stinger. Like other large arachnids, scorpions are predators, feeding on other insects and controlling pest populations in the wild; it’s only when these scary pests get too close to you or your property that they pose an issue.

There are three scorpion species to worry about in Phoenix. On top of the general characteristics, you can identify each species by the following:

Bark Scorpion

These are the most common scorpions found in Arizona homes, and also the most dangerous. Bark scorpions grow between 2-3 inches, have tannish bodies, and if you see one in your property, there are probably others as well.

Stripetail Scorpion

These scorpions also grow between 2-3 inches and have lustrous, yellow-brown bodies. As their name suggests, their tails have notable striations, and their stingers are usually darker than the rest of their body.

Giant Hairy Scorpion

These are the largest species of scorpion in the United States, sometimes growing over 4 inches in length. These scorpions have brown bodies that are covered in hairs and are large enough to eat other scorpions, sometimes even lizards.

Scorpions sting when they feel threatened, so if you get too close to one without realizing it, it may attack. Most scorpion stings aren’t life-threatening, but you should seek medical attention if you have been stung, especially by a bark scorpion. Bark scorpion venom can be lethal, especially in animals and children, causing erratic muscle movements and heart complications. In general, it’s wise to avoid scorpions as much as possible, and always seek treatment for a sting.

Scorpion Prevention Tips

Since scorpions are so widespread throughout the Phoenix area, how can you keep them away from your property?

For starters, keep your lawn clean and tidy. During the day, scorpions like to hide under rocks, foliage, and anything else that will keep them cool and near food. By removing stones, woodpiles, and leaves around the yard, scorpions are less likely to camp nearby.

Additionally, you can make sure scorpions don’t get in by sealing any potential entry points. Cracks in your home’s foundation can invite scorpions inside. Sealing these cracks and caulking your windows will help prevent a scorpion problem.

Finally, scorpions may be nearby because you have another pest problem, providing them ample food supply. It’s always good to make sure your house doesn’t have a different insect or arachnid infestation, as that will make your home less inviting for scorpions.

Still, since these pests are practically ubiquitous, Phoenix property owners can’t always keep scorpions at bay. If pests get into your home or business, reach out to the residential and commercial pest control professionals at Bug Science today. We will take care of your scorpion infestation so that these dangerous pests quit bugging your family or customers.