Scorpions

Scorpions have a lobster-like appearance but are not water-living crustaceans; they are arachnids, live on land, and are related to spiders, ticks, and mites. Scorpions are predators and feed on things like insects, small lizards, spiders, and other scorpions. Their feeding habits help to control populations of unwanted pests; however, when scorpions decide to hunt their prey or live on our properties, they quickly wear out their welcome.

Several different kinds of scorpions call Arizona home, including the bark scorpion and desert hairy scorpion. Below is a brief description of each species. 

Bark scorpions are brownish in color, with adults only growing between two to three inches in length. They are a small species of scorpion. Their tails and claws are more slender than other species. 

The desert hairy scorpion is a much larger species than the bark scorpion. Adults grow to between five and seven inches in length. Their body is a yellowish color, and the top of the body has dark markings on it. Tiny, erect brown hairs cover their tails.

There are more than 35 different species of scorpion in Arizona. The most common scorpion in the Tucson area is the Arizona bark scorpion. The bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda), is a small light brown scorpion common to the southwest United States. The bark scorpion occurs from southern California through southern Arizona into western New Mexico; and in adjacent Mexico (Baja California, Sonora, and Chihuahua).

To avoid the extreme heat of the daytime, these scorpions will shelter in the shade and come out at night to hunt for food. The bark scorpion is nocturnal, prefers to ambush its prey, and usually feeds on crickets or roaches but will consume all types of insects including other scorpions. In the winter months, they will hibernate, often congregating in large groups. The bark scorpion is also one of the few species that are good climbers. This means it can be found not only under rocks or in rock crevices, but also in trees or high on rock walls. They also can be found inside homes, trapped in sinks or bathtubs, climbing walls, or in a dark closet.

The bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and its venom can cause severe pain (coupled with numbness and tingling) in adult humans, typically lasting between 24 to 72 hours. Temporary dysfunction in the area stung is common; e.g. a hand or possibly arm can be immobilized or experience convulsions. It also may cause the loss of breath for a short period of time. Due to the extreme pain induced, many victims describe sensations of electrical jolts after envenomation.

Scorpions are dangerous when living near people or pets in our yards, homes, garages, or sheds. The more close contact you have with these arachnids, the more likely a sting will occur. The sting of most scorpions is similar to a bee or hornet sting; an exception to that rule is the bark scorpion. The venom of bark scorpions is potent enough to cause trigger serious and even life-threatening allergic reactions.

Scorpions are common in Arizona; therefore, the best defense is to put into place regular pest control services. Regular visits by a pest professional are the best way to stop scorpions from taking over and putting you, your family, and your pets in danger.

Scorpions are small, fast-moving critters that can become a problem in any Tucson yard. Our gardens, landscaping, garages, and sheds provide scorpions with damp, dark hideouts and access to their insect prey. While scorpions live successfully in desert conditions, they have high water needs. Things on our properties, like hoses, sprinkler systems, leaky faucets, and air conditioners, offer scorpions the regular sources of water they need to survive.

Scorpions live in various habitats, their species dictating their preferred living conditions. 

Bark scorpions are quite adept at climbing and live above the ground on trees behind their bark, on sunny exterior walls, and within stacked wood or rocks. These small scorpions only need a space of 1/16 of an inch to move into our houses. Once inside, they will move to warm, humid areas of our homes like kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. Homeowners often spot them on their walls, in sinks, or in tubs. 

Large desert hairy scorpions prefer to burrow rather than climb like bark scorpions. These scorpions like to hunt their prey around water, and we often find them around backyard swimming pools. They are also regularly found under woodpiles, rocks, and behind loose boards or siding. Gaps under doors, vents, and spaces around drains are common entry points for these scorpions. Closets, cabinets, and crawl spaces are places in homes where these scorpions hide. 

If you are tired of coming face to face with scorpions in your yard or home, turn to the local professionals at Conquistador Pest & Termite. We have decades of experience guarding Tucson properties against various unsavory pests like scorpions. 

We are deeply committed to our customers and offer high-quality home pest control and commercial pest control to eliminate scorpions and other unwanted pests. Our professionals identify harborage sites, treat harborage areas, and provide the recurring services necessary to control scorpion populations on your property. For more information about scorpion control in Tucson, reach out today!

The Arizona bark scorpion’s body is flat, allowing it to fit through very small cracks and crevices. They can get inside buildings through torn screens, gaps in doorways or through vents and other openings in walls. To prevent scorpions from entering your home, inspect all exterior doors from bottom to top. If you can see visible light or feel air movement, the scorpion can get in. Replacing or adding weather stripping may close all the gaps thus preventing access. Also, make sure that trees and bushes don’t reach all the way to the walls of your home, and keep your lawns mowed. Additionally, if you have woodpiles or clutter anywhere near the house, it’s a good idea to get rid of them since they serve as ideal hiding places for scorpions.

The following tips will help you avoid problems with scorpions on your Tucson property:

• Stop scorpions from easily entering your home by sealing cracks in its exterior, installing door sweeps and weatherstripping, and repairing torn screens.
• Keep screen covers over vents and drains leading into your home.
• Use caulk to repair cracks and gaps in exterior walls.
• Cut back shrubs, bushes, and tree limbs from your home's exterior.
• Practice proper trash and food storage to help avoid attracting the insects that scorpions like to feed onto your property.
• Repair leaky pipes, hoses, and air conditioners that can provide scorpions with a water source. 
• Remove yard debris that provides scorpions with dark, damp harborage spots. 
• Don't leave shoes or clothing outside for scorpions to climb into and hide.

Regular pest control service is recommended. Reach out to us today for help controlling and preventing Arizona scorpions on your Tucson property.