Scorpions can be found over all the continents except Antarctica and they live in a variety of habitats. Scorpions are in the Arachnid class, like spiders, mites and ticks. They have an external skeleton and a segmented body with four pairs of segmented legs. There are more than 1500 species of scorpions world wide, and more than 70 species in the United States. Regardless of species scorpions all have a crablike appearance with four pairs of legs, a pair of pincers and a long, segmented tail that curls upward and a venomous stinger on the end.
Scorpions are predatory. They consume all types of insects, spiders, centipedes, crickets, etc. Larger scorpions may eat small lizards, snakes and mice. They capture their prey with their pincers and if needed paralyze them with their venom. Then they spray them with an acid spray that dissolves tissues, allowing the scorpion to suck up the remains.
All scorpions are venomous, but only about 25 species have enough venom to be dangerous to humans.
Scorpions in Tempe and the Phoenix, Arizona area
While there are many species of scorpions living throughout the Southwestern Desert there are basically 3 species prevalent in the Phoenix, Arizona area.
Arizona Hairy Scorpion
The Arizona Hairy Scorpion is the larges scorpion in the Phoenix, Arizona Area. It is about 5 – 7 inches in length, yellow in color with darker coloring on top of the body. Small brown hairs cover the body. It is venomous, but not very potent. However, an allergic reaction to a sting could be dangerous.
Stripe-Tailed Scorpion
The Stripe-tailed Scorpion is also known as the Devil Scorpion. It is light brown with darker brownish striped on the upper side. It measures 2.5 inches in length. It is venomous but not considered dangerous.
Bark Scorpion
The Bark Scorpion is of light brown color, up to 3” in length with a thin tail, about 1/16 inch wide. It is the most venomous in the Phoenix area and is dangerous to people.
These scorpions, like all scorpions, are nocturnal and hide during the day. Some will hide under logs, or under rocks, some in cracks and crevices and still others will live in crawlspaces. Some dig and hide in burrows.
Tempe Scorpion Prevention and Control
Piles of rock, firewood, boards and other loose debris provide a habitat for scorpions and a place to hide. Keep your home – including the crawlspace and garage – as well as your yard free of debris.
Since scorpions feed on bugs you can reduce the amount of food supply by spraying pesticides around the perimeter of your home, and in your garage to keep the bug population down.
Keep grass closely mowed near the home. Prune bushes and overhanging tree branches away from the home. Store garbage cans in a frame so they rest above ground. Install weather stripping around loosely fitting doors and windows and keep window screens in good repair. Plug weep holes in brick veneer with steel wool or small pieces of screen. For your personal protection always wear shoes and gloves when working outdoors.
Tempe Scorpion Control & Extermination
Scorpions are difficult to control with regular insecticides. Very likely you won’t be able to obtain scorpion insecticides with the retired strength to exterminate them. It is recommended that extermination be left to the professionals. You can reach ours at (480) 719-8636.
