Scorpions 

The bark scorpion occurs naturally throughout Maricopa County. It is commonly found inside houses and buildings. The bark scorpion chooses a defined area in which to live. If a structure is built on that area, the number of scorpions that find their way inside can be controlled but will never disappear completely. 

The bark scorpion is one of several small scorpions and is about one and one half to two inches in length. It has two distinguishing characteristics. The first is that it is the only scorpion in Maricopa County that climbs. It easily climbs any surface except clean glass and clean plastic. It can cling to the underside of a piece of wood, walk across your ceiling, climb furniture, and get into clothing and cupboards. They are most active at night and love places that are dark and damp. The second important characteristic is that it is the only scorpion that curls up its tail and lays it down flat next to its body. This allows the scorpion to become very flat and squeeze into very small and narrow cracks. 

The bark scorpion's color varies from clear, light tan, rubber band or darker golden brown. Color is not a good way to identify this scorpion. Most call to the Poison Center about scorpions stings occur from April to October. 
 

Special Precautions 

• Children should be protected in their cribs / beds. To prevent the bark scorpions from climbing up, place the crib / bed legs in glass jars. 
• To keep the scorpions from coming into the crib / bed sideways, move the crib away from the wall and be sure the blanket and sheet do not touch the floor or walls. 
• To prevent the scorpion from dropping in, you need to install a scorpion shield. Hang a piece of foam core board, or other flat board that is bigger than the size of the crib, several inches from the ceiling. Place double sided sticky tape around the inside of the board. Scorpions will then fall onto the board and get stuck, rather than fall into the crib/bed. 
• Check the crib/bed in advance of putting the child to bed. 
• Shake out all clothing and shoes before putting them on the child. 
• Have the child wear shoes all times and be especially careful around hot tubs and pools at night. 
• Teach the child not to pick up bugs in the house. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Sting 

The immediate local pain/burning is usually followed by a feeling of numbness and tingling (and still lots of pain) that can travel up an arm or leg. This is a totally natural reaction to the sting. 

If further symptoms, like visual disturbance, difficulty swallowing and swollen tongue sensations, slurred speech or respiratory problems occur, they should be reported to the Poison Center 

(If you are stung by one of the other 42 scorpions it will feel similar too a wasp sting with local swelling and pain). 

Young infants and children are at a grater risk of serious symptoms. A major problem is identifying that a scorpion sting has occurred. With no visible mark or swelling it is hard to tell. The child will be hurting and upset, the eyes will start moving in an uncoordinated roving manner. The child may become hyperactive with facial twitching and lots of drooling. 
 

Treatment 

Each year over 6,000 scorpion stings are reported to the Poison Center. 
 

Unknown Bites and Stings