Arizona Scorpions

Arizona Scorpion

The Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) is pale yellow in color, approximately 1-3 inches in length and found throughout  Metro Phoenix Arizona.  Their pale color, small size, and lightening speed can make them difficult to see.

The Bark Scorpion is  very venomous, if stung, go to the nearest hospital or consult your personal physician for treatment.

The venom of this scorpion may  produce severe pain and swelling at the site of the sting, numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficulties in breathing, muscle twitching,  and convulsions.  Death in Arizona is rare and none have been reported in the last 20 years.

Bark Scorpions are nocturnal, predatory  and feed on a variety of insects found around your home.  Centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, geckos, birds, and other small mammals  (ground squirrels, mice etc) are known scorpion predators.

Scorpions are known to enter homes seeking shelter, water and other insects. Usually entry is made during evening hours and via door and window ways.

During the day bark scorpions can be found hiding under stones,  rock piles, in masonry cracks (block walls), in wood piles and under the bark of trees.

Recommended Treatment Measures:

1) Exclusion – remove or seal outdoor harborage areas around your home.  Points of entry to your home should be sealed.

2) Defensive control – Establish a complete foundation barrier around your home using a product that will not only flush insects from  their hiding areas but will also leave a lasting residual.  Given the extreme heat we see in Phoenix monthly follow up services  are important to maintain the protective barrier.

3) Offensive control – Given the nocturnal nature of  the Bark Scorpion, attacking at night with a black light when they are most active is an effective method to reduce infestations.