Meet the Scorpions: Quick Profiles
Arizona Bark Scorpion
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America. These arachnids are risky to human and pet health.
Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion
The giant desert hairy scorpion is the largest scorpion species in the United States. Because of its size, it can be quite scary to encounter, but it is far less dangerous than the bark scorpion.
Visual Differences: What to Look For
Size Comparison
The most significant difference between bark scorpions and desert hairy scorpions is their size. Bark scorpions are relatively small, about three inches long, while desert hairy scorpions are much larger, growing up to six inches long.
Coloration
Although the coloring of bark scorpions is slightly different from the coloring of desert hairy scorpions, they’re close enough to make it difficult to distinguish between them. Bark scorpions tend to be pale yellow or tan, while desert hairy scorpions often have darker bodies with yellowish legs.
Physical Features
A few other physical features distinguish bark scorpions from desert hairy scorpions. Bark scorpions have thin pincers and narrow tails, while desert hairy scorpions have large, powerful pincers and thick tails. Fine hairs cover desert hairy scorpions, giving them a hairy appearance and their name. However, you may not notice these hairs unless you’re up close.
Behavior and Habitat Preferences
Bark scorpions and desert hairy scorpions don’t just look different; they also act differently from each other.
Habitat
Bark scorpions tend to live under rocks and in the bark of trees, which is how they got their name. They often get into homes in Phoenix.
Desert hairy scorpions prefer desert terrain and thrive in sandy environments. They build burrows to escape the heat, and they rarely enter homes.
Behavior
Bark scorpions are nocturnal. They can sometimes be found in groups and are good climbers.
Desert hairy scorpions are also nocturnal. They are solitary pests that tend to be reclusive.
Sting Symptoms and Medical Risk
The main thing to be aware of when it comes to the differences between bark scorpions and desert hairy scorpions is that their stings are very different from a medical standpoint. Bark scorpion stings are much more venomous and dangerous than desert hairy scorpion stings.
Bark Scorpion Sting
If you are stung by a bark scorpion, you’ll likely feel immediate sharp pain at the site of the sting. This can be followed by numbness, tingling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. While children and the elderly are most at risk of suffering a severe reaction, anyone stung by a bark scorpion should seek immediate medical attention.
Desert Hairy Scorpion Sting
If you are stung by a desert hairy scorpion, you may notice its similarities to a bee sting. There will be localized pain and swelling, with mild discomfort for a day or two afterwards. These stings rarely require medical attention. However, getting checked out is always a good idea if your symptoms become more severe.
Prevention Tips for Homeowners
You’re more likely to deal with bark scorpions trying to get into your house than desert hairy scorpions. Still, regardless of the species you find on your property, there are several things you can do to make it less likely that they’ll get inside or even want to spend time on your lawn. Try these prevention tips to keep scorpions away from your Phoenix property:
- Seal cracks and entry points
- Remove debris, firewood, and standing water from your property
- Use yellow lighting outdoors to reduce insect prey
- Install door sweeps and window screens
- Use sticky traps in dark corners
- Trim overhanging trees and branches touching your home
When to Call the Pros at Termio Pest Control
When is it time to contact the professional pest experts at Termio Pest Control about scorpions? There are a few reasons you might decide to give us a call:
- You’ve seen signs of an infestation, which can include multiple sightings or finding shed skins
- You’ve been stung by a scorpion on your property
- You’ve discovered scorpions in your house
- You want annual inspections and pest control services to make sure scorpions don’t return
With pest control from Termio Pest Control, you can have peace of mind knowing that bark scorpions and desert hairy scorpions aren’t on your property. We include scorpion control in our quarterly Termio Essentials Plan because we know how scary it can be to encounter them on your property, even if they’re the less dangerous desert hairy scorpions. Give Termio Pest Control a call today to request your scorpion control service.
