Whether you’ve lived in Tucson your whole life, or you just moved here, scorpions might be a concern for you. We can understand why. They have a scary reputation, and it can be extremely unpleasant to be stung by one. So it isn’t surprising that we get a lot of questions about them. If you have questions, take a look below and see if your questions are here in this short list of most commonly asked questions about scorpions in Tucson.

What are scorpions?

If you don’t know, scorpions are arachnids. Like their spider cousins, they have venom which they use to subdue their prey. The most noteworthy feature of a scorpion is its curled tail. At the end of this tail is a stinger. We don’t need to tell you what that’s used for.

Where do scorpions live?

Scorpions can be found hiding under things. They stay hidden from the hot sun during the day and come out to hunt at night. You may find them under rocks, construction materials, and the bark of trees. Scorpions also have a preference for hiding in moist habitats. The landscaping around your Tucson home is likely to be perfect for scorpions. Always be cautious when working on your landscaping and when flipping objects over.

What do scorpions eat?

Scorpions are protein eaters. A few of the animals a scorpion will eat are insects, centipedes, spiders, crickets, lizards, birds, mice, and also other scorpions. If you have a lot of pest activity in your yard, you could invite scorpions into your yard. One of the benefits of investing in a residential pest control program is that your yard gets routine treatments that work to reduce pest activity. These, in turn, work to help reduce scorpion activity. It’s a win-win.

How poisonous is a scorpion?

It depends on which scorpion stings you. Most aren’t too bad. While certainly unpleasant, you won’t be running to the hospital. The scorpion to be concerned about is the Arizona bark scorpion. It is considered to be the most venomous scorpion in North America. A sting from one of these scorpions is likely to result in intense pain around the wound, tingling and numbness, swelling, and warm skin. If you experience difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, sweating, nausea, vomiting, eye movement, etc., seek medical attention immediately.

What does a scorpion bite look like?

First, it is important to point out that scorpions don’t bite. But, we recognize that some people use the words bite and sting synonymously. If a scorpion stings you, the wound is likely to develop a bump and the area around the wound will probably look inflamed. In very rare cases, there can be some tissue necrosis. If so, you might notice a black coloration. Most of the time, these wounds will look red.

What should you do if you encounter a scorpion?

If you encounter a scorpion and you’re able to avoid it, that is the best course of action. If you must deal with the scorpion, it is best to contact a licensed pest professional. While disposing of a single scorpion with a machete or a shovel can be relatively simple, you won’t know if there are more scorpions on your property or inside your home. A professional can perform an inspection and provide options for treatment, control, or management.

What do scorpions hate the most?

We get this question from residents who want to control scorpions by putting down natural scents that deter scorpions. There are several naturally derived odors that scorpions don’t prefer. Lavender, peppermint, and cedar are a few good choices. Unfortunately, spraying essential oils to keep scorpions out of your home will only have limited success. Environmental conditions and other factors can render these products inert. It is better to have a licensed professional select and administer scorpion control products.

What is the most effective way to keep scorpions out of the yard?

You probably know our answer. While there are many things you can do to deter scorpions, such as removing rock or wood piles, organic debris, and addressing moisture issues, the best solution is to invest in a residential pest control program that offers coverage for scorpions. A professional will use a multi-pronged control plan to provide the best results possible.

Tucson Pest Control

When it comes to managing pests threats, such as scorpions, venomous spiders, bees, and other dangerous pests, you can trust Pest Friends. We use the most advanced strategies and products to provide Tucson properties with effective pest management and sustainable control.

If you didn’t find your scorpion question here, or you have questions about general pest control, we’d be happy to answer them. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule pest control service for your Tucson home. We’re here to help.