Basics of Property Management: Screening Potential Tenants

4 Things Homeowners Need To Know About Bark Scorpions

6 January 2015

Jesse Obrien

Bark scorpions are the most dangerous scorpions in North America, and if you live within their range, you may encounter them inside your house or in your backyard. Here's what you need to know about these dangerous pests. 

What do they look like?

Bark scorpions are fairly small, ranging in length from 2 to 3 inches, including their tails. They are light brown or pale yellow which allows them to blend into desert terrain. Like all scorpions, they have eight legs, menacing pincers, and a long tail with a stinger on the end.

Where do you find them?

Bark scorpions are found throughout the desert regions of the Southwestern United States. If you live in this area, you may discover these scorpions in shady places in your backyard, like underneath shrubs or rocks. Scorpions are sensitive to sunlight so you won't usually see them out in the open. 

You may also find these scorpions inside your house. Your house is not their preferred habitat but they can crawl inside (often underneath doors) and get trapped in the house. 

Will their venom kill you?

Bark scorpion venom can kill you, so if you encounter one of these dangerous creatures, don't get too close. A sting will cause pain, numbness, and swelling at the site of the bite, even in minor cases. Severe envenomation causes more serious symptoms such as muscle spasms, very high or very low blood pressure, a racing or irregular heart beat, or vomiting. Children are at greater risk, so if your child is stung by a scorpion, you need to see a doctor even if the symptoms appear mild at first.

No one has died from a scorpion sting in Arizona in over 40 years, so as long as you seek prompt medical treatment, you don't need to worry too much.

How do you keep yourself safe?

If you live in the Southwestern United States, you need to avoid sticking your hands or feet into places that you can't see, since a bark scorpion could be lurking just out of sight. For example, don't reach under your bed without looking underneath first, and don't put on your shoes without first shaking them out.

Scorpions are most active at night, so avoid walking around your house barefoot in the evening, and check your sheets before you get into bed.

Bark scorpions are dangerous creatures, and if you live in the Southwest, you'll probably encounter them at some point. If you don't want to share your home with these pests, contact your local pest control company, one like Chem-Wise Ecological Pest Management Services.

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