There are many types of scorpions in Arizona. More than 30 species make the Grand Canyon State their home. But which scorpions in Arizona are dangerous and which aren’t? They can all be painful. Even the least dangerous one here will give you a sting on par with a bad bee sting, and can threaten the health and lives of children and pets.
The Most Dangerous Arizona Scorpion
The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the one you’ve got to watch out for most. This is because it’s one of the most venomous scorpions in Arizona, and it’s also the one most likely to be found in Arizona homes. We find a lot of these during scorpion removal calls. These look very different from other scorpions in the region because its extensions (pincers and tail) are more extended than others. Their body is small – including tail, bark scorpions are only 2 to 3 inches long.
If you come upon it and it doesn’t feel threatened (it’s in a state of rest), the tail will be coiled somewhat off to one side. This is one of the primary signifiers that you’re dealing with an Arizona bark scorpion.
How Dangerous are Arizona Bark Scorpions?
Their sting can cause swelling, breathing problems, and uncontrollable muscle spasms. Seek medical attention without delay if you are stung by any scorpion. The bark scorpion’s sting is still unlikely to be fatal, but it can be. Health problems caused by its sting can become more serious and long-lasting if left un-addressed.
Bark scorpions are even more dangerous because they like to hide under objects, often clung to them upside down. This makes it much less likely that you’ll see them before you feel them. It also means that reaching under a counter or into a cupboard could expose you to their sting. They’ll also sting multiple times.
Encountering Arizona Bark Scorpions
Bark scorpions are attracted to cool, moist areas that have good air flow – this makes it one of the primary scorpions found in Arizona homes.
Making the issue worse, most scorpions fight each other off. They’re territorial. Bark scorpions don’t follow this rule, and are at peace sharing your home with other members of its species. Where you find one bark scorpion, there are often others. Call Invader Pest immediately for scorpion removal.