What is a scorpion?
Scorpions are arachnids, so they are in the same class as mites, ticks, and spiders. These eight-legged creatures have venomous stingers at the end of their segmented tails, which you’ll often see curved over their backs. Scorpions are arthropods and are usually somewhere between two and eight inches long. They can live in the wild for three to eight years, and they are on all large landmasses except New Zealand and Antarctica.
What types of scorpions are in Phoenix?
There are nearly 2,000 species of scorpions worldwide, approximately 100 in the U.S., and at least 50 in our southwestern desert states. According to the University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the most common scorpion species in our region include:
- Arizona bark scorpion. This is the most venomous species in our area and most often encountered in homes. These scorpions enter through spaces around doorways, through window vents, and under exterior walls with openings. Once they get inside, they take advantage of interior spaces, such as electrical outlets, to move around. Arizona bark scorpions can climb walls and even move across ceilings, explaining how one can get into a toilet or bathtub. These scorpions are two to three inches long.
- Arizona giant hairy scorpion. This scorpion is the largest in the country and can grow to more than five inches long. Arizona giant hairy scorpions have a mild venom. Not only are there harmless, but they’re even beneficial since they are voracious eaters of the dangerous Arizona bark scorpions. You’ll most often find them in burrows and under rocks.
- Arizona stripe-tailed scorpion. This scorpion is frequently mistaken for the bark scorpion. Although they can sting, they have relatively mild venom, so a sting from a stripe-tailed scorpion may not require medical treatment.
Where do scorpions hide?
Scorpions like to hide in undisturbed, dark areas. We usually encounter them when they’re out seeking water, which they can find in places like containers left outdoors or a puddle under a leaky faucet inside. Scorpions prefer to avoid the sun, so you may find them tucked under all types of things outdoors, from woodpiles to debris. They also hide in cracks wherever they can find them.
What should I do if I see a scorpion?
First, keep in mind that scorpions won’t chase you down to sting you — they would much rather run away or assume a threatening posture if they stand their ground. If you do encounter one outdoors, it’s best to simply leave it alone. If you see one in your home or other indoor space, do not touch it. Instead, use a drinking glass or some other type of container to trap it and discard it.
It’s also important to know that a scorpion can stay alive even when underwater in a swimming pool. Never assume that a scorpion in a spa or pool is dead or that it can’t sting you, and don’t try to fish it out with your hands. For the best scorpion control, call on professional scorpion exterminators. Green Home Pest Control has comprehensive Phoenix scorpion control services, including scorpion sealing, to help you eliminate these pests.
Are all types of scorpions venomous?
Yes, all scorpions are venomous, but not all species of scorpions can cause extreme harm to humans. There’s a wide range of toxicity in the venom of various scorpion species, from mild to deadly. Only about 35 of the 2,000 different scorpion species worldwide have venom with the strength to kill a human. Since it takes experience to know which types pose the greatest danger, it’s best to avoid contact with any scorpion you encounter.
Can I prevent scorpions from getting into my house?
The most effective way to keep scorpions from coming into your house is to make sure all entry points are tightly sealed. At Green Home Pest Control, we’re experts in locating these entry points and protecting your home with our scorpion sealing service. Having your home thoroughly sealed also reduces the need to use chemicals inside your home for scorpion control. When we locate a hole, gap, or crack that’s likely to be used as a scorpion entry point, we use sealant products that are as environmentally friendly as possible, as well as methods similar to weatherstripping for sealing larger openings such as doors. We can also seal the areas of your garage that are vulnerable to scorpion intrusion.
There are also some steps you can take yourself to reduce the chances that scorpions will get in, such as keeping your landscaping tidy, reducing any excess moisture, and eliminating hiding places. You should also try to eliminate food sources, including crickets and roaches, by having regular pest control treatments. Our technicians will be happy to give you additional tips during your scorpion control treatment.
How do I get rid of scorpions?
Getting rid of scorpions with DIY methods is difficult, so many homeowners and business owners in the Phoenix area call on a professional scorpion control company. At Green Home Pest Control, we guarantee our scorpion control services and return for additional treatments until your problem is solved.
Keep in mind that scorpions will always be part of Arizona’s natural environment, so a prevention and exclusion approach to keep them outside is important. Make sure your property is as pest-proof as you can make it so that it doesn’t provide the ideal home for scorpions. Be careful to eliminate yard debris, seal up all entry points, and get rid of all water and food sources, such as the pests they eat.
Does Green Home Pest Control offer free estimates?
Yes! Just call us or request a quote online now and receive $50 off our initial scorpion control treatment while our pest control trucks are in your area. There’s no obligation and no risk, and we guarantee our exterminator services.
Complete the form below to request your no obligation estimate.
