It’s Peak Scorpion Season in Phoenix! Here’s What You Need to Know to Keep Your Home Safe

When the summer sun beats down on Phoenix, Arizona, and the days grow longer, one unwelcome visitor emerges from its desert slumber: the bark scorpion. From April to October, (also known as peak scorpion season), these venomous arachnids become more active, seeking water, food, and shelter.

The good news is that while a scorpion sting can be painful, it’s rarely fatal for healthy adults. However, for young children, the elderly, or people with allergies, a sting can be serious and require medical attention. To ensure a safe and scorpion-free summer, Phoenix residents need to be prepared. So, we’ll give you the information you need to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to keep your home safe from scorpions during peak season.

Understanding the Enemy: The Bark Scorpion

The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the most common and venomous scorpion found in the United States. These nocturnal creatures are typically 2-3 inches long, light brown in color, and have a narrow body with a distinctive bark-like texture. Now, here’s what attracts scorpions to your Phoenix home:

• Moisture. Scorpions need moisture to survive. Leaky pipes, condensation around air conditioners, and excess pool water can all attract them.
• Food source. Scorpions prey on insects like crickets, cockroaches, and spiders. If your home has a pest problem, it might inadvertently attract scorpions looking for a meal.
• Shelter. Scorpions seek dark, cool, and damp spaces to hide. This can include cracks in walls, under furniture, around appliances, as well as in basements or crawl spaces.

Minimizing Your Risk: Preventive Measures

As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of (scorpion) cure. Here are some proactive steps you can take to keep scorpions out of your Phoenix home:

• Seal entry points. Conduct a thorough inspection of your home’s exterior, paying close attention to cracks around windows, doors, foundations, and utility lines. Seal any openings with caulk or weather stripping. Don’t forget to check the gaps around pipes and wires entering your home.
• Trim vegetation. Scorpions love to hide in overgrown bushes and trees near your house. Regularly trim shrubs and maintain a barrier of at least 12 inches between vegetation and your foundation.
• Eliminate the food source. If you have a pest problem with insects, take steps to eradicate them and contact a professional pest control company. This reduces the scorpions’ food source and makes your home less attractive.
• Declutter around the house. Minimize clutter inside and outside your home. Piles of boxes, firewood, or other debris provide hiding spots for scorpions.
• Address moisture issues. Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and AC units to eliminate moisture sources that might attract scorpions.
• Screen openings. Ensure all windows and doors have tight-fitting screens to prevent scorpions from entering. Consider using mesh barriers around vent openings as well.

Additional Tips for Peace of Mind

• Use nightlights. Scorpions are less likely to venture into areas with bright light. Consider using nightlights in strategic locations around your home, especially near potential entry points.
• Check bedding and shoes. Before getting into bed or putting on shoes, do a quick visual inspection for scorpions that might be hiding.
• Invest in blacklight tools. Scorpions glow under blacklight. Consider purchasing a blacklight flashlight to scan dark areas for scorpions at night.
• Educate your family. Talk to your family members, especially children, about scorpion safety. Teach them to recognize these arachnids, to stay away and keep their distance, and tell an adult if they see one or more of them.

While the urge to handle a scorpion yourself is understandable if you see one, especially during peak season in Phoenix, there are several compelling reasons to call a professional pest control service instead. Here’s why:

Safety First

Pest control professionals are trained in safe scorpion-handling techniques. They have the right equipment, like long tongs and sealed containers, to capture and remove scorpions without putting themselves or others at risk of a sting. A sting, while rarely fatal, can be painful and require medical attention, especially for vulnerable individuals.

Not all scorpions in Phoenix are the infamous bark scorpion. Different species have varying levels of venom potency. Professionals can accurately identify the scorpion and determine the appropriate course of action.

Effectiveness and Long-Term Prevention

• Targeted treatment strategies. DIY methods often focus on spot treatment, addressing only the immediate scorpion you see. Professionals go beyond that, looking for entry points and potential hiding spots. They use targeted treatments like sprays, gels, and traps to eliminate existing scorpions and deter future infestations.
• Residual protection. Professional pest control companies use products formulated for long-lasting residual effects. These products create a barrier around your home, repelling scorpions and other pests for weeks or even months.
• Comprehensive approach. Professionals understand the factors that attract scorpions. They can identify potential vulnerabilities in your home’s exterior and recommend additional preventative measures beyond just applying treatment products.

Peace of Mind and Convenience

• Guaranteed results. Many reputable pest control companies offer guarantees on their scorpion control services. This means if you encounter scorpions again within a specified timeframe, they’ll return to re-treat your home at no additional cost.
• Time-saving solution. Dealing with scorpions yourself takes time and effort, from researching methods to purchasing products and attempting removal. Professionals handle the entire process efficiently, freeing up your time and reducing anxiety.
• Expert advice and ongoing support. A professional pest control company can be a valuable resource. They can answer your questions about scorpions, provide ongoing monitoring, and offer long-term solutions to keep your home safe throughout the year.

Cost-Effectiveness

While the upfront cost of hiring a professional might seem higher than a DIY approach, consider the long-term benefits. Remember, improper DIY methods may not be effective and could even attract more scorpions. Professionals get it right the first time, saving you money on wasted products and ensuring a successful outcome.

Also, a comprehensive professional treatment combined with preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of future scorpion problems, saving you money in the long run.

Now, please keep this simple fact in mind: scorpions are a part of life in Phoenix during peak season. While DIY methods might seem tempting, calling a professional pest control service is the safest, most effective, and ultimately most cost-effective way to protect your home and family from these venomous arachnids.

While the information in this blog post empowers you to take preventative measures, sometimes professional intervention is the best solution, especially during peak scorpion season. Here’s how Invader Pest Management can help:

• Our certified technicians are highly trained in safe and effective scorpion removal and control methods.
• We use targeted treatments and long-lasting products to eliminate existing scorpions and deter future infestations.
• We offer comprehensive inspections to identify potential entry points and recommend preventative measures.
• We provide peace of mind with guaranteed results and ongoing support to keep your home scorpion-free all year round.

Don’t wait until you encounter a scorpion to take action! Contact Invader Pest Management today for a free quote and a scorpion-free summer!