Characteristics Of Common Scorpions

Let's begin by addressing the elephant in the room. Are bark scorpions deadly? Yes. The Arizona bark scorpion is deadly. But the last recorded death was reported in 1964. Your odds of surviving an encounter with a bark scorpion are high. The only concern is for children, the elderly, and individuals with a compromised immune system. If you add to this that there are at least 23 known species of scorpions in Las Vegas, and the bark scorpion is the only potentially deadly scorpion, it is even easier to take a breath of relief.

What is it like to have an Arizona bark scorpion sting you? You will definitely know it if you are stung. You will have intense pain, warmth around the wound, swelling, numbness, and tingling. When the venom enters your system, other symptoms may result. Watch for muscle twitches, drooling, difficulty breathing, sweating, nausea, and vomiting. You may also experience strange head, neck, and eye movements, rapid heartbeat, symptoms of high blood pressure, and restlessness. Seek medical attention at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.

The venom of an Arizona bark scorpion is potent, but the real danger is when an allergic reaction occurs. You've likely heard that you can have an allergic reaction to a bee sting. The same can happen with a scorpion sting. An allergic reaction can occur even in individuals who have never demonstrated an allergy in the past. But most people have a strong immune system and will not have life-threatening symptoms.

The potent sting of an Arizona bark scorpion is not the only characteristic to consider. These scorpions are great climbers, they get into homes through tiny gaps, and they are often found in large groups. They're also attracted to damp habitats and have many reasons to come into Arizona yards. Other scorpions hide under rocks and hang out in dry habitats outside of most yards.

Let's quickly recap. The Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion in our area that presents a medical threat. The greatest concern is for children, seniors, and compromised individuals. No deaths from Arizona bark scorpions have been reported in this century. They scale walls and get into homes. They are often found in large groups. And, while painful, you may not need medical attention when bitten by a scorpion, but you should keep watch for symptoms.

Factors That Attract Scorpions To Your Property

The best way to stop scorpions is to consider why they come into your yard and how they get into your home. If you alter factors that attract scorpions, you'll reduce the chances of an unwanted encounter. Here are our best tips and why they work.

• Clean out obstructions in your gutter system. Trim plants in your landscaping, mow grass, and remove weeds. Some scorpions are drawn to moist habitats. When you take steps to keep your perimeter dry, you'll have fewer issues with scorpions.
• Seal gaps in your exterior. Scorpions are thigmotactic. They are drawn to squeeze into spaces where they have their bellies and backs touching two hard surfaces at the same time. If you provide a gap, they can't help but squeeze into it.
• Pick up items around the pool. Arizona bark scorpions will hide under towels, swim trunks, flippers, floatation devices, clothing, and more.
• Pick up items in your yard and move objects away from your exterior. Scorpions hide under just about anything that blocks the sun.
• Rake leaves. Leaf litter provides a moist habitat and tight spaces underneath.
• Repair screens and seal gaps around screen frames. Bark scorpions live in trees. They are used to scaling surfaces, hiding underneath bark, and tucking themselves into recesses. It is only natural for them to scale your Las Vegas home and get in through your screens.
• Seal gaps around doors, keep exterior lights off, and keep shades closed. Scorpions are attracted to light. They are also attract to a property that has insects to eat, and many insects are attracted to light. If you are unable to keep lights off due to a security concern, consider installing motion-sensitive fixtures so that lights come on only for as long as you need them.
• Keep your plants healthy. When plants become unhealthy, they invite aphids and other pests. Scorpions eat these pests so it is only natural for unhealthy plants to eventually attract scorpions.
• Get your trash receptacles to the curb weekly. Doing so will prevent strong smells from developing and attracting flying and crawling insects. Scorpions will come to eat those insects.
• Address lawn weeds. When weeds take over your yard and tiny flowers start to bloom, your yard will provide a sweet source of food for many insects. Ant mounds will start to form, and scorpions will move in and eat those ants—along with any other insects that have a sweet-tooth for nectar.
• Remove rock piles, scrap wood, construction materials, and other piles or stacks of natural materials. Scorpions love these because there are many tight spaces and lots of options for food.

You see how it works. The best way to keep scorpions away from your home is to consider their attraction to light, moisture, tight spaces, and insects. Sometimes all it takes to get rid of these pests is altering the conditions that make them want to live on your property.