What You Want To Know About Scorpions In Phoenix

When living in a desert-type environment, you always run the risk of encountering desert-type pests, and scorpions happen to be one of the most common desert pests in the United States. While most of them do prefer more arid climates, some can often be found in wetter environments like North Carolina and even Brazil. That may not mean a lot to Phoenix residents, but homes and neighborhoods in Arizona are almost like little oases within the vast desert landscape. What kind of scorpions do you need to worry about on your Phoenix property?

Common Scorpions In Phoenix

With over two thousand species of scorpions worldwide, the task of identifying which kind you encounter may seem daunting. Thankfully, though, there aren't that many commonly found within the United States, and even less so in Phoenix:

• Arizona Bark Scorpion – up to 2 ½ inches, light tan with slightly darker brown backs, tails that curl up beside their bodies

• Stripe-Tailed Scorpion – up to 3 inches, yellowish-brown with slightly darker backs, dark striping along the length of the tail

• Giant Hairy Scorpion – up to 6 inches, yellow with a dark brown back, fine brown hairs covering its body

There's an old rule of thumb that goes, “the smaller the scorpion, the more dangerous it is,” and in this case, it's absolutely right. The giant hairy scorpion may look terrifying with its half-foot size, but the sting they inflict is comparable to the sting of a honeybee. Stripe-tail scorpions offer a bit more of a painful sting, but the real danger is with the Arizona bark scorpion. Their venom not only causes excruciating pain, but also temporary numbness, nausea, and vomiting for up to 72 hours.

Where Do Scorpions Like To Hide?

Scorpions are nocturnal hunters, so while they're biding their time until the sweltering sunsets over the horizon, they're most commonly found:

• Under rocks

• Within brush and leaf piles

• Under and inside rotting logs

• In woodpiles

• Inside dense foliage

• Underground burrows

• Within cluttered debris

Most scorpions aren't known for their expert climbing skills, but the Arizona bark scorpion is the big exception. These little venomous nightmares are actually known for climbing vertical surfaces, so they can also be found lurking on the siding of your Phoenix home, traversing the rocky terrain of a brick fence, or seeking shelter on the side of trees and within the foliage of bushes.

What Attracts Scorpions To Phoenix Homes?

Most of the time, moisture and shelter are the most attractive traits that Phoenix homes provide for scorpions. Moisture from garden watering or a leaky faucet could entice them to shelter in and around your home, and poor-draining lawn turf would only make things worse. Ornamental rocks, overgrown shrubs, and extra debris piles around your property could provide all the shelter they would ever need.

Extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, and extra rain will force them to seek more stable habitations, and if you haven't been keeping up on fixing cracks and holes on the outer walls of your Phoenix home, then they may already have all the space they need to creep inside. Another reason, though, could be a plentiful food source. Scorpions feed on insects, small rodents, and even small snakes, and if they're on your property, it could mean you have another underlying pest problem.

How To Get Rid Of Scorpions On Your Phoenix Property

If you have scorpions on your Phoenix property, don't try to get rid of them on your own. They are still very dangerous, and while one sting might not do much damage, multiple stings from numerous scorpions could cause a medical emergency. Fatalities due to scorpion stings are low, but people have been known to experience allergic reactions, and the worst symptoms include difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, high blood pressure, accelerated heart rate, and anaphylaxis. Always call the professionals for help.

For dangerous pest removal and prevention, you can never go wrong with Green Home Pest Control. Our expert technicians always tailor each visit with the homeowner and environment in mind. We only use organic, plant-based pesticides in all of our treatments, and we're dedicated to 100% customer satisfaction. Don't let scorpions sting you out of your Phoenix home; give us a call and let us take care of it for you.