Actual Size: 2-3 inchesCharacteristics: Tan to tan-yellow, and some specific species have distinct patterning. These scorpions generally blend in with rocks and desert.
Behavior:
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America.
The coloration of the Arizona bark scorpion makes it very difficult to spot in a desert area.
Bark scorpions do not burrow, but rest during the day under rocks, wood piles, and debris.
They are very common in households, and their small size allows them to enter buildings very easily.
While most scorpions are solitary, Arizona bark scorpions are social, congregating in groups of 20-30 during winter.
Like all scorpions, the bark scorpion is incredibly resilient.
Bark scorpions are the only type of scorpion to be able to walk vertically on walls, trees, and bark. They prefer to rest upside down.
The genus Centruroides includes seventy different species of scorpion, of which the Arizona bark scorpion is the most deadly. Bark scorpions are smaller than other species of scorpion. Bark Scorpions are active and aggressive predators that can detect movement up to 3 feet away. They typically have poor eyesight. Bark scorpions are nocturnal, preferring to roam and forage during the night.
Bark scorpions give birth to their young, like all scorpions, and litters contain 25-30 young. Bark scorpions do not burrow, but prefer to live under woodpiles, lawn debris, and rocks. Most scorpion species are solitary, but bark scorpions prefer to congregate in groups during the winter. Adults typically live 6 years in the wild. In lean times, the bark scorpion has the ability to lower its metabolism, allowing it to live off of very little food for months at a time. Its’ small stature allows it to crawl through extremely small spaces. The bark scorpion is one of the only kinds of scorpions to be able to walk on vertical rough surfaces. They prefer to rest upside down.
Problems caused by Arizona Bark Scorpions
Bark scorpions do not seek out humans, but they will take advantage of any food, water, or shelter source they can. Bark scorpions are frequently found in bathrooms, closets, and garages. Outdoors they prefer to live under woodpiles, abandoned objects, or outbuildings.
The bark scorpion is quick to attack when they are provoked or when defending their territory. Bark Scorpions have varying intensities of venom strength, and the Arizona bark scorpion is the most lethal scorpion in North America. They can climb on walls and up trees, and because they prefer to rest upside down, people are often stung after picking up an object that a scorpion was resting on. Bark scorpions are generally on the smaller size, and this is a huge environmental advantage for them. Any crack larger than a toothpick can be used by bark scorpions to enter a dwelling.
Preventing Bark Scorpion Infestations
Bark scorpions have an obvious danger, especially the Arizona bark scorpion. Bark Scorpions are an exceptionally adaptable type of scorpion, blending in with the environment and lowering their metabolism in times of food shortage. They are able to establish residence in almost any indoor or outdoor space, and this make prevention complex. If a bark scorpion is found, extremecaution should be used around the animal.
There are a couple of basic habits that can prevent scorpions around or in a building: reducing clutter, storing items in plastic (not cardboard), removing yard or garage debris, and avoiding leaving items on the ground. If children are present on the property, make sure to teach them to not pick up scorpions.Consider sealing the building, and calling a scorpion control professional to inspect or perform the sealing. Spraying for scorpions is not always effective, depending on the pesticide used. If scorpion activity is suspected, a black-light can be used to find scorpions at night, as they glow in the dark when exposed to UV light. Pest control experts are trained to provide homeowners with important preventative information, and should be relied on for advice or professional help.
Eliminating and Controlling Bark Scorpions
Bark scorpions are aggressive and active, and if more than one is found in a building, it could indicate an infestation. Scorpions are comfortable in human dwellings or outdoors, and they will do anything to protect themselves, their nest, or their young. The best approach to eliminating and preventing future problems with desert hairy scorpions is with a professional scorpion exterminator. At Pest Control Inc., our pest control professionals resolve desert hairy scorpion infestations using a variety of different treatment techniques, including state-of-the-art surveillance, removal, and exclusion solutions.
Are you ready to get started with professional scorpion control in your home or business? Call us today!
