Types of Scorpions in Arizona: How to Tell If It's a Bark Scorpion
Short answer: Arizona has about 30 kinds of scorpions, but only one is dangerous. If the one in your house is slender, light tan and climbing the wall, treat it as a bark scorpion.
Which Scorpions Live in Arizona, and Which One Matters
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center says about 30 scorpion species are found in Arizona, and only one, the Arizona bark scorpion, is considered life-threatening. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension describes the four you are most likely to find around desert Southwest homes. The bark scorpion is the one that lives in block walls and climbs into houses; the other three mostly stay in the ground.
The 4 Common Arizona Scorpions
- Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus): slender pincers and a long, thin tail. Pale tan, sometimes darker with stripes. UA Extension gives adults about 2 to 3 inches; the Poison Center describes it as about 1.5 inches. Climbs walls and ceilings and favors hollow-block walls. The only one of medical concern.
- Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis): the largest U.S. scorpion, heavy-bodied, often over 5 inches, darker on top with pale sides and legs. Lives under rocks and in shallow burrows in sandy desert. Mild venom; UA Extension calls it harmless to people.
- Stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus): under 3 inches, heavily armored with bulky pincers and tail. Burrows under rocks on desert floors and hillsides. Often mistaken for a bark scorpion. Mild venom that usually doesn't need medical treatment.
- Yellow ground scorpion (Vaejovis confusus): under 3 inches, more delicate pincers but a wide, bulky tail. Burrows in sandy and rocky ground. Also mistaken for a bark scorpion; mild venom.
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Is It a Bark Scorpion? A 4-Point Check
- Pincers: long and skinny like tweezers points to a bark scorpion. Thick, crab-like pincers point to a stripe-tailed scorpion.
- Tail: long and thin is a bark scorpion. A thick, wide tail is a ground-dwelling species.
- Where you found it: on a wall, ceiling, in a sink or tub, or fallen into a bed points to a bark scorpion, because UA Extension notes it is the climber. Ground scorpions turn up under rocks, pavers and yard debris.
- Size: a scorpion over 4 inches is almost certainly a giant hairy scorpion. A small, pale scorpion is not automatically harmless; baby bark scorpions are tiny.
If you can't tell, treat it as a bark scorpion and keep children and pets away from it. Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, so a UV flashlight after dark shows how many are on your walls and yard (UA Extension). Found a very small one? See baby scorpions in your house. Stung? See what to do after a bark scorpion sting and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Signs Bark Scorpions Are Living Around Your House
- More than one scorpion inside in a season, or one on a wall or ceiling.
- Scorpions of different sizes, including small young ones.
- Several glowing on block walls or the foundation under a UV light at night.
- Plenty of crickets and other insects around porch lights, which UA Extension notes are scorpion food.
Bark Scorpion Control in Phoenix: What the Service Does and Costs
UA Extension says that if scorpions are regularly found indoors, call a pest management professional, and that pest-proofing the house is the most effective way to cut contact and stings. A scorpion control visit treats the perimeter, block walls, rock beds and entry points, points out door sweeps, weep screeds and pipe gaps to seal, and treats the insects scorpions feed on. A one-time diagnostic visit with treatment is $149. The plan is $50/month with treatment every 60 days and free callbacks. Scorpion and ant coverage comes with Power Shield, from $125. Start a plan the same day and your visit fee covers your first 3 months of the plan. See how to keep scorpions out of your house and pest control cost.
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Arizona Scorpion Questions
How many types of scorpions are in Arizona?
The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center says about 30 scorpion species are found in Arizona. In and around Phoenix-area homes, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension describes four you are most likely to meet: the bark scorpion, the giant desert hairy scorpion, the stripe-tailed scorpion and the yellow ground scorpion.
Which Arizona scorpions are poisonous?
Only the Arizona bark scorpion is considered life-threatening, according to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, and UA Extension calls it the only scorpion of medical concern in the U.S. The giant hairy scorpion has mild venom and is considered harmless to people; stripe-tailed and yellow ground scorpion stings usually do not need medical treatment.
How do I know if it is a bark scorpion?
Look at the pincers and tail. UA Extension says bark scorpions have slender pincers and a long, slender tail, and they climb walls and ceilings. Stripe-tailed and yellow ground scorpions are stockier, with bulkier pincers or a wider tail, and they stay on the ground. The giant hairy scorpion is far bigger, often over 5 inches.
What should I do if I am stung?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center says to wash the sting with soap and water and apply a cool compress, and notes that young children are at highest risk of a severe reaction. Call 911 for trouble breathing.