Pest infestations are a common struggle for homeowners worldwide, but there is one pest in particular that most non-arid climate dwellers don't have to deal with – scorpions. Phoenix residents are all too familiar with this terrifying arachnid, and they do come by their bad reputation honestly. Anyone on the receiving end of their venomous sting can attest to how painful and potentially dangerous these creatures can be.
Common Species Of Scorpions Within Phoenix
Arizona is home to dozens of different species of scorpions, but most are perfectly content with staying away from civilization. Among the multitude of species within Arizona, three different kinds regularly venture into Phoenix neighborhoods and infest properties:
- Giant Desert Scorpion – pale yellow to light brown with dark brown markings on the back, a layer of fine hairs on the underside of their torso, can grow up to 7 inches long
- Striped-Tail Scorpion – pale yellow with dark brown stripes running up the length of their tail, roughly 3 to 4 inches long
- Arizona Bark Scorpion – pale yellow to light brown, easily identified by how they flatten their curled tail flush to the ground, roughly 2 ½ to 3 inches long
The giant desert scorpion may be the most intimidating, but it's actually the least dangerous among the three listed. The striped-tail scorpion has a slightly more painful sting, but the Arizona bark scorpion is by far the most dangerous and potentially fatal. There haven't been any recent deaths, thanks to modern medicine, but symptoms from a bark scorpion sting include nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, and an elevated heart rate.
What Attractive Qualities Could Your Phoenix Property Possess For Scorpions?
Even though these arachnids are most often found in arid, desert areas, they're actually nocturnal, and they usually only emerge once the heat of the day has died down. Because of their night-crawling tendencies, they seek out heavily shaded areas and dense vegetation to hide within during the day. They'll nest within shrubs and bushes, dense underbrush, and underneath debris such as large rocks, fallen logs, and compost and mulch piles.
Scorpions are especially attracted to moisture and food sources. Moisture problems are most commonly found around the property, where the soil has become too compact to drain properly, but they can also be caused by undiscovered leaky pipes. Unwanted moisture can attract other pests as well, and that's what makes a property all the more alluring. Scorpions are carnivorous, and they'll eat all manner of creatures including cockroaches, crickets, lizards, spiders, centipedes, and even other scorpions.
How To Prevent Scorpions From Infesting Your Phoenix Property
There are plenty of things you can do around your Phoenix property to prevent a scorpion infestation, from lawn care maintenance and exterior repairs to indoor maintenance and general pest prevention:
- Remove any brush and mulch piles, fallen logs and branches, and miscellaneous debris from your property
- Make sure your lawn is draining properly by aerating the soil regularly
- Try not to over-water your garden if you have one
- Trim back bushes and clear out any underbrush
- Repair any cracks, holes, and gaps around the exterior of your home, specifically damaged siding, exposed wood, foundation, gaps around outdoor-leading pipes and wires, roof and trim
- Replace worn-down insulation around windows and doors
- Keep tight-fitting lids on both indoor and outdoor trash cans
- Check for any leaky pipes and extensive water damage, repair as necessary
- Practice proper food storage by keeping dried goods in airtight containers
How To Get Rid Of A Scorpion Infestation On Your Phoenix Property
Scorpions are dangerous pests that won't hesitate to sting if they feel threatened, and it's never recommended to try to remove an infestation on your own. Thankfully, our pest experts at Green Flash Pest Control have decades of experience handling dangerous pests, so you don't have to put yourself in harm's way. We use the highest quality pest control products in all of our treatments, and we always make sure our customers are completely satisfied with our work. So get in contact with us today to start discussing your options.