The Home of the Bark Scorpion

Arizona is noted for its arid climate and sunshine, but many people see it as a place where the problematic bark scorpion lives. Its reputation as America’s deadliest scorpion sparks the interest of most people. While there are many of these arachnids living in the state of Arizona, they are not such a problem for everyone.

New developments in areas that were deserts prior to construction usually have some scorpion problems, and even parts of Phoenix still have communities where the stingers hang out.

On the other hand, many Arizonians seldom see these uninvited guests. Scorpions don’t really want any more to do with us than we want to do with them. Of course, when there is a colony of scorpions, it can be very difficult to avoid them or get them to leave willingly.

While most pesticides do not work very well as a deterrent to scorpions, chemicals will attack the scorpion’s food sources of insects, spiders, and crickets. When the food moves elsewhere, so do the scorpions.

To keep scorpions out of the home, it is important to ensure that windows and doors are caulked to avoid any cracks where they can enter. Picking up debris lying about outside such as wood, limbs, and bricks will force these scavengers to find other areas to live in, and that might be your neighbor’s yard.

In Arizona, you learn quickly not to walk around the house in the dark barefooted. If scorpions are around, they will generally find ways to get into the house, and their activity means a call to a professional exterminator is your best alternative.

Gary Dobert

Gary is the co-owner of Varsity Termite and Pest Control, a family owned and operated company in Arizona with over 21 years of experience. They specialize in termite and scorpion control services.