Fall in Arizona brings cooler nights and more Arizona bark scorpion activity near homes. Known scientifically as Centruroides sculpturatus, this species is the most venomous scorpion in North America.
Most stings are not life-threatening, but they can cause severe pain and scary symptoms, especially in young children and pets. In Phoenix, Tucson, and throughout southern Arizona, bark scorpions often enter homes in search of warmth, making scorpion control a crucial necessity.
If you notice crickets or other critters around your home, scorpions may follow. Green Home Pest Control helps Arizona homeowners stop scorpion infestations early.
Key Takeaways
- The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous in North America.
- Scorpions glow under UV light, making black light inspections a reliable method for finding them.
- Children and pets are most at risk of severe symptoms from a bark scorpion sting.
- Professional pest control is the most reliable way to prevent infestations in Arizona homes.
What Makes the Arizona Bark Scorpion So Dangerous
The Arizona bark scorpion is light brown with slender pincers and a curved tail with a sharp stinger. Unlike other species of scorpions found in the southwest, this one delivers venom that can lead to severe symptoms. A bark scorpion sting can cause tingling, numbness, and intense pain. In rare cases, doctors may administer antivenom, so seek care promptly if symptoms are severe.
This species can climb walls, trees, and even ceilings. They can flatten their bodies and squeeze through tiny gaps, which makes them hard to keep out. They hide in tree bark, woodpiles, and deep crevices during the day. At night, they hunt prey like crickets and centipedes.
Where Arizona Bark Scorpions Live in and Around Homes
Arizona bark scorpions inhabit the Sonoran Desert, which spans southern Arizona and parts of adjacent states. They prefer warm, dry areas but often move indoors when nights get cooler. Around Phoenix and Tucson, people usually find them in garages, attics, and even inside shoes left outside overnight.
Unlike the striped bark scorpion, which is common in Texas, the Arizona bark scorpion delivers a stronger sting that poses greater risks. While fatalities are scarce thanks to modern antivenom, their stings should never be ignored, especially when young children or pets are involved.
Signs of an Infestation Around Your Home
Seeing one scorpion often means more are hiding nearby. Female scorpions carry dozens of young on their backs after birth, which can lead to fast population growth. These arachnids usually travel in search of food, so if you have an abundance of crickets or other small pests, scorpions will stick around.
Homeowners often use a black light or UV light to detect scorpions at night, as their exoskeletons glow under ultraviolet light. If you spot even one bark scorpion, call a pest control professional before an infestation starts.
Health Risks of a Bark Scorpion Sting
Most stings cause severe pain and swelling, but some individuals may experience an allergic reaction that requires prompt medical attention. Children, older adults, and people with allergies face the highest risk. In such cases, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms can include trouble breathing, muscle spasms, and twitching. Poison control centers in Arizona report hundreds of calls each year related to bark scorpion stings, but quick access to antivenom has drastically reduced fatalities.
If it’s your first time being stung, don’t take chances. Call poison control or seek medical care.
How to Keep Scorpions Out of Your Home
Because bark scorpions climb and flatten their bodies, blocking every entry point is hard. They squeeze through wall cracks, gaps under doors, and openings around utility lines. Sealing these gaps helps, but many homes need professional pest control for lasting results.
Green Home Pest Control utilizes family-safe treatments that target scorpions and their food sources to reduce the likelihood of an infestation. Our local teams in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Tucson are well-versed in scorpion habitats and know how to treat them effectively. We reduce outdoor harborage, curb food sources such as crickets, and apply targeted treatments designed for Arizona homes.
Making the Right Pest Control Choice for Your Arizona Home
Arizona bark scorpions are persistent pests that can make daily life stressful for homeowners. Their presence often signals more than a minor nuisance; it’s a sign your property may need professional attention.
Green Home Pest Control offers trusted scorpion control services tailored to Arizona households, featuring treatments that prioritize long-lasting protection and prevention.
Ready for a safer, scorpion-free home? Contact us today to schedule your inspection.
FAQs
How can I tell if I have Arizona bark scorpions in my home?
You can spot them at night using a black light or UV light since their exoskeleton glows under ultraviolet light. If you see one indoors, there are likely more hiding nearby.
Are Arizona bark scorpion stings life-threatening?
Most stings cause severe pain but are not fatal. However, young children, pets, and those with allergies may suffer severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention and sometimes antivenom.
What should I do if I’m stung by a bark scorpion?
Call poison control and seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or muscle spasms. For mild pain, applying a cold compress can help alleviate symptoms until they subside.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
