Dangerous Scorpions in Maricopa County
There are an estimated 56 species of scorpions in Arizona, including Maricopa County. When these poisonous creatures sting, they inject a venom with their tail that can be extremely painful, but rarely life-threatening. Scorpions enjoy hiding under rocks and logs, but they enter houses and buildings to find prey. Once you’ve spotted a scorpion in your home, odds are there are others lurking around. These pests are naturally territorial and settle into a location very easily, making it difficult to lure them away from your home.
How to Identify a Bark Scorpion
The bark scorpion is a small creature, about one to two inches in length, and varies in color from clear to light tan or dark golden brown. One distinguishing characteristic of the bark scorpion is that it can climb any surface except clean glass and clean plastic. They are most active at night and love dark and damp places. The bark scorpion can curl its tail and lay it flat next to its body. This allows it to become very flat and squeeze into tiny, narrow cracks in your home.
Signs & Symptoms of Scorpion Stings
While a scorpion sting is extremely painful, it typically does not cause swelling or redness at the sting site. If you experience the following symptoms, call the Poison Control Center for first aid instructions and to find out if the victim needs immediate medical attention.
- Local pain and burning at the sting site
- Numbness and tingling that can travel up the arm or leg
- Visual disturbance
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swollen tongue sensations
- Slurred speech
- Respiratory problems
Did You Know?
The bark scorpion is the only deadly scorpion type, and it’s located throughout the state of Arizona, including Maricopa County.