Scorpions: More Powerful than an ‘80s Hair Band

Phoenix Homeowners Take the Sting Out of Scorpions

Hearing the word “scorpions” either makes you start singing “Rock Me Like a Hurricane,” the iconic ‘80s air guitar song, or it makes you squirm and pull your feet up off the floor. If it’s the latter, we have some important information for you. (And if it’s the former, feel free to sing along.)

Arizona Bark Scorpion

The most commonly spotted — and perhaps most dangerous — scorpion variety in Phoenix is the Arizona bark scorpion. While deaths from scorpion stings are rare, this scorpion packs a wallop. A sting from this guy can be a mere annoyance or a days’ long pain in the … sting. For people with weak immune systems (typically, the young and old) or those with allergies to scorpion venom, a sting can be a much bigger issue but this is, of course, rare.

These are the most common scorpions found inside homes in the Valley, and they are easily distinguishable by their size (2–3” long), color (tan-yellow to orange), and slender appearance. They are nocturnal, give birth to 25–35 live young at a time, typically don’t hang out alone, and eat crickets, roaches, and other insects.

Arizona Giant Hairy Scorpion

This is the largest scorpion in the US and, as you might expect, it’s hairy. And big. These guys can be 4” long or longer and eat small lizards, other scorpions, spiders, and insects. They burrow to find water, so they might not be as easy to see on your property. In Arizona, they’re actually most commonly found in the saguaro forests.

Arizona Stripetail Scorpion

This variety of scorpion is easily distinguishable by its large, seemingly striped tail. Think of a shrimp and you’ll be pretty close to what this scorpion looks like. These are the most common species of scorpion in Arizona, and they can usually be spotted under rocks. They are typically shorter than 3” long.

Yellow Ground Scorpion

The yellow ground scorpion is, obviously, yellowish. It is nocturnal and is found across the Arizona desert all the way north to Idaho and Washington (and you thought only we had scorpions!).

Scorpion Hunting

Some people really enjoy taking their black lights out at night and going on a hunt for scorpions. If you weren’t aware, these little critters “glow in the dark.” The fluorescence comes from the proteins in their exoskeletons, which make them show up as bright blue under a black light. Maybe the scorpions are ready to dance the night away to “Rock Me Like a Hurricane,” after all!

Some industrious scorpion hunters will take their black lights and glass jars out at night and scoop up their unwelcome guests. But night after night for weeks can become tiresome work. And honestly, it can be dangerous too. While scorpion poison is often not fatal, the wounds can easily become infected and make you sick! Instead of going after these little stinging creatures yourself, why not bring in the experts?

Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination has expertise in getting rid of your scorpion problem. Call us today to schedule your appointment. Maybe we’ll even hum a little ‘80s tune and whip out our air guitars while we’re there.