Scorpions are some of the most feared creatures in Arizona, as many species have a lethal sting. They like desert life but tend to hide in dark, cool places. If you think you have a scorpion infestation in your home or yard, it’s important to call a scorpion exterminator in Phoenix immediately.
We hope you find this guide helpful in learning all about scorpions and what to watch out for.
What to Look For
Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs that scorpions are living amongst you.
- You see many smaller bugs: Scorpions like to feed on small bugs like ants, cockroaches, flies and beetles. If you have those bugs in your home, you can be sure scorpions are right behind them. Get rid of those bugs, and you will help get rid of scorpions as well.
- Scorpions on your property: Of course, a big sign of an infestation is actually seeing the critters themselves. They live in groups, so even if you only see one, there are probably many more hiding nearby.
Causes and Prevention Of Scorpions
From shade to citrus trees, there are many things that cause scorpions to find refuge in your yard or home.
You may be at a higher risk for a scorpion infestation if you:
- Have lots of shade in your yard: Large shady trees and other structures can harbor scorpions and other dangerous bugs. Because scorpions seek shade at the height of the day, they tend to retreat to shady areas. Trim back trees and make sure your landscaping stays neat.
- Have citrus plants or trees:: Bark scorpions like the dark, moist environment of citrus plants.
- Live in a recently-built development:: The scorpion population is continually being disrupted and displaced as more developments crop up in desert areas. But scorpions don’t put much effort into relocating; they usually just stay where they are, which means they have close access to your home.
Treatment of Scorpions
There are a few things you can do to trap scorpions in your home, but it’s ill advised to get too close. You can hunt for them at night with a black light, as they’re nearly impossible to find at night otherwise.
Bark scorpions may be good hunters but they have poor vision. They tend to follow set paths, such as along your home’s baseboards, or near front and back doors. You can lay sticky traps there to catch slow-moving scorpions.
Here are some more things you can do on your own to prevent them:
- Clear ground cover
- Cut back overhanging branches
- Remove piles of logs, concrete slabs, tiles, or rocks
- Apply cinnamon oil
- Clean up organic material from your yard
Common Scorpions in Phoenix
The four most common scorpion species found in Phoenix include:
- Arizona Bark Scorpion:: These creatures have long, slender metasomas (tails with stinger), arms and fingers. They are yellow-tan in coloring. You’ll find them in rocky desert areas, but they will also hide in homes and tree bark. They are more venomous than other scorpions in Phoenix. If you are stung by one, expect painful swelling, breathing difficulties and muscle spasms.
- Arizona Stripetail Scorpion:: These have a robust metasoma and striped dorsal with spinoid granule. They have a yellow coloring and dark stripes on the dorsal. Females are bigger than males, but neither reach longer than three inches. They like to hide in homes and under rocks.
- Arizona Giant Hairy Scorpion:: This is the biggest scorpion in the country, known by its hairy metasomas and pedipalps. With dense hair coverage and unique colorings, they have yellow appendages and dark dorsals. They hang out in saguaro forests, feeding on other scorpions, spiders, and centipedes.
- Yellow Ground Scorpion:: Similar in looks to the Arizona Bark Scorpion, these creatures have slim hands and fingers, and are yellow in color blended with a granular texture. Its first two metasomal segments are long and wide. You will find these nocturnal scorpions in southeastern Arizona.
Contact Scorpion Pest Control
If you think you have a scorpion infestation on your hands, don’t waste time. Contact us for a free quote and scorpion inspection at 602-338-9223. Our
Scorpion Prevention and scorpion exterminatorscorpion pest control experts in Phoenix can provide quick, effective treatment.