The Most Common Types of Scorpions
home to dozens of species of scorpions. While all scorpions have venom that they might use to capture their prey, not all scorpions have venom that is harmful to humans and animals
doesn’t have the largest scorpions in the world nor the deadliest scorpions in the world, but it does have a scorpion with a rather potent venom: the bark scorpion. At best, a sting from that scorpion can be rather annoying, or, at worst, the scorpion sting can be extremely painful with longer lasting effects
Deaths from scorpion stings are very rare. People who are prone to have allergic reactions to stings, and those with undeveloped or compromised immune systems (the very young and very old), may have strong or severe reactions. Small pets may also have adverse reactions.
Centruroides sculpturatus is the well-known bark scorpion. It is readily distinguished from all other scorpions in the area by having long, slender hands and fingers, along with a long, slender tail or metasoma. In the desert, it is typically uniform tan-yellow to orange; at higher elevations, it may be striped. When at rest, the metasoma is held at the side and coiled to where the sting is directed to the base of the fourth segment
Hadrurus arizonensis is the popular giant hairy scorpion, the largest scorpion in the United States. Hairy scorpions are just that: hairy. The metasoma and pedipalps are densely covered in setae (hairs). No other American scorpions have such a dense covering of setae on the appendages. The pedipalps and metasoma are also relative in size; not robust, not slender. Dorsal surface dark; appendages yellowish, appearing greenish due to slight fluorescence. Interocular area of carapace unpigmented in the crescent from median to lateral eyes.
Scorpion Control in Surprise
Pest Control, we’ve been providing scorpion control in Surprise and the surrounding areas since 2003! As a locally owned company and a proud part of our community, we know exactly how to handle whatever pests the desert throws our way!
scorpion control services go beyond just eliminating existing scorpions from your home and property. When you partner with Pest Control for your scorpion control needs, our team will:
Work to eliminate pests around your home that scorpions feed on, including insects, spiders, and mice.
Identify entry points that scorpions may be using to enter your home, offering custom recommendations to seal scorpions out and prevent future infestations.
Use only EPA-approved formulas to control populations of scorpions around your home, eliminating breeding sites and making your home less hospitable to scorpions.
We know that choosing a pest control company is a personal choice, and that’s why we set ourselves apart from our competitors by focusing on exceptional customer service. Every member of our team is trained to deliver service that exceeds your expectations so that you can feel comfortable knowing that we’re caring for your family and your home.
Same-Day Services
As part of our commitment to exceptional customer service, when you call before noon we will send one of our scorpion exterminators to your home the same day.
Free Inspections
When it comes to scorpions, out of sight isn’t necessarily out of mind. Our scorpion experts offer free inspections, using UV lights to seek out scorpions wherever they may be hiding on your property. Don’t let scorpions hide in your home with a free inspection
Protect Against the Bark Scorpion
The West Valley is home to many species of scorpions, like the Giant Hairy Scorpion, Stripetail Scorpion, and Yellow Ground Scorpion. But only one species in the western United States has venom that’s dangerous to humans
Scorpions
Identification
long, thin segmented bodies
long tails equipped with stingers
eight legs and pincer-like mouthparts
glow a fluorescent green/blue color under black light
Nesting Habits
spend the day resting underneath objects on the ground and come out at night to search for prey
seek dark protected areas to hide indoors
Diet
small arthropods
Significance
venom may cause swelling, inflammation, discoloration and pain
most scorpion stings are similar to bee or wasp stings
IPM Recommendations
Anyone stung by a scorpion should collect the scorpion and immediately contact a physician or the poison control center for medical instructions.
If scorpions are suspected in or around a structure, conduct a systematic inspection at night using a black light.
Find and seal any openings or crevices in exterior walls.
Repair leaky air conditioners or other outside water sources.
Prune trees and shrubs up and away from the ground.
Remove leaf litter, large mulch, debris and other harborage around buildings.
Install tight-fitting screens and weather stripping around windows and doors.
Scorpions
SCORPION IDENTIFICATION
Most scorpions found in the United States live in the warm, dry southwest and western regions of the country. More closely related to spiders and ticks than insects, these stinging pests look a lot like crabs. Depending on the species, scorpions vary in color from pale yellow-brown to nearly black. Most common types grow 2 to 3 inches long, but some species measure 8 inches or more.
Scorpions have eight legs and two large front pinchers that they use to hold their prey as they sting it. Their long, segmented tails end with a venom-filled stinger. Some scorpions curve their tails high over their backs, but others curve theirs to the side. While most scorpion stings aren’t life-threatening for humans, reactions can be painful and severe.
SIGNS OF SCORPIONS
Scorpions hide under rocks during the day and come out at night to eat creatures from insects to lizards, and even mice. Scorpions don’t damage plants, but they do unsettle people when they sneak into homes and surprise them.
To check your property for signs of scorpions, look for the pests — carefully — at night. Patrol your home’s perimeter with an ultra-violet “blacklight” flashlight. Because of a substance in their bodies, scorpions appear to glow under UV light. Be sure to look up as you patrol; some scorpions are very good climbers.
HOW TO CONTROL SCORPIONS
When you live in scorpion country, effective control means keeping these creatures away from your home and the people and pets inside. For best results, treat for scorpions late in the day, right before they come out to hunt at night.
How to Get Rid of Scorpions
Scorpion Quick Facts:
1. A full-size scorpion can squeeze into a crack the width of a credit card.
2. Adult scorpions can live six to eight months without food. A scorpion’s diet consists of live insects and their favorite food is crickets.
3. Female scorpions give birth to their babies alive; they do not lay eggs like other pests do. There are typically 20 – 30 babies born at one time. Immediately following birth, baby scorpions crawl onto their mother’s back where they will stay for about two weeks until they are ready to survive on their own.
Scorpion Control Best Practices:
Keeping a thorough and consistent barrier in place will help tremendously in your fight against scorpions. Come in and see us for all of the products and instructions you’ll need to stop scorpions dead in their tracks.
Outside
Apply micro-encapsulated spray to foundation of home.
Apply granules to perimeter of landscaped areas.
Dust hiding places with long lasting insecticide dust.
Inside
Apply low odor, nonstaining, fast knockdown spray to key target sites as needed.
Dust hiding places with long lasting insecticide dust.
Install insect monitoring devices to catch scorpions at critical entry points.
Keep a can of our plant-based, fast killing aerosol on hand for unexpected sightings
Additional Tips
Eliminate scorpion entry points and hiding places by:
Sealing cracks and crevices that are the width of a credit card or larger – scorpions can enter these areas and hide for months.
Adjust or replace weather stripping around exterior doors.
Install screens inside exhaust vent covers in laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Stack lumber and firewood piles away from the home and up off of the ground.
Remove leaf litter and bark chips next to the home.
Do not put large stones such as river rock or rip-rap next to the home – keep it at least six feet away.
Keep tree limbs, shrubs and bushes trimmed so they do not contact the home.
Eliminate moisture directly next to the home – leaking hose bibs and air conditioner condensation lines are sources to look for.
