Guided tours through Cave Creek Regional Park offer an exciting nighttime activity for those who love to explore. Park rangers are on duty to guide visitors on a moonlight hiking tour through a desert that is alive with activity. One must-see along the trail is blue-green glowing scorpions. Glowing brown bark scorpions might be cool to see outside, but they become "uncool" inside a home or business.
Little-Known Facts About Brown Bark Scorpions
Brown bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpion in North America, and they happen to enjoy the climate in Phoenix. Well adapted to desert areas, they also appreciate stream-side habitats. Because of their coloring and most of their activity being at night, they can be hard to see when they are still. Since they are so dangerous, it is wise to take note of their characteristics.
Brown bark scorpions have the following traits:
- Two body parts - a cephalothorax and an abdomen.
- Tail attached to the abdomen with a stinger at the tip
- Eight legs
- Pincers to grasp its prey
- A yellowish-tan body with a slightly darker back
- The average length of about 2 ½ inches
At first glance, it may be a challenge to differentiate a brown bark scorpion from a less venomous species, but it is worth looking out for these features.
Scorpions are extremely sensitive to vibrations in the air. They like to avoid the extreme heat of the day by sheltering in the shade and then come out at night to hunt. They prefer cool, moist areas in crevices, under pieces of bark, rocks, bricks, or inside houses. They eat all types of insects, spiders, centipedes, and even other scorpions. One interesting fact is that scorpions are climbers, which means they can rest in trees or high on rock walls.
Dangers Of Brown Bark Scorpions In Phoenix
The brown bark scorpion is the only scorpion species in Arizona considered life-threatening for people. They use their venom-filled stingers to defend themselves or to kill their prey. They can deliver high levels of lethal venom, which is especially dangerous to young children and older adults. Any scorpion sting should be checked by a medical professional but brown bark scorpions are particularly dangerous.
Some symptoms that could indicate a scorpion sting include:
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Localized swelling and redness at the sting site
- Extreme pain at the sting site when tapped with a finger
- Abdominal pain and cramps
- A sensation of a thick tongue
- Restlessness
- Roving eyes
- Convulsions
- Drooling
- Slurred speech
- Muscle twitching
- Staggering gait
- Respiratory issues
It's always best to seek prompt medical care when a scorpion sting is suspected, especially when paired with these symptoms.
The Secrets Of Brown Bark Scorpion Prevention
When weather conditions become extreme, scorpions will sometimes seek shelter inside. Any opening that provides moisture and protection from extremes in the weather will invite scorpions to move into your property. Properties can institute simple steps to prevent scorpions.
Some ways to scorpion-proof your property include:
- Remove harborage sites around your property like trash, woodpiles, and other debris.
- Remove stones and landscape timbers.
- Store firewood five inches off the ground and at least 20 feet away from your building.
- Fix torn screens, holes, and cracks in building exteriors.
- Be sure to seal cracks and holes outside with caulk.
- Fix any poorly fitted garage and entry doors.
- Reduce any areas of excess moisture in your home.
The safest encounter with a brown bark scorpion is one that never happens to make prevention steps an important step in safeguarding your Phoenix property.
The Best Way To Ward Off Brown Bark Scorpions
Assistance from White Knight Pest Control is the best way to keep scorpions and other pests away from your property. We understand that each property is unique and requires specialized attention. White Knight Pest Control offers effective pest control plans for both homeowners and businesses. Keeping your property safe from pests is our main goal. Call White Knight Pest Control today to find out more about scorpion removal and prevention.