A Comprehensive Guide to Arizona Scorpions

Thanks to its warm and dry desert climate, Arizona is home to a wide variety of scorpions. In fact, there are about 30 different types of Scorpions that can be found in the state! If you’re looking for more information on Arizona’s scorpions, including the most common types and what to do if you encounter one, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled this helpful guide to give you all the info you need, including expert insights from an entomologist, so keep reading!

Arizona Scorpions: An Overview

Download Image

An illustration showing different types of scorpions found in Arizona.

There are 30 types of scorpions found in Arizona, but the most common types are the Arizona bark scorpion, the giant hairy scorpion, the stripe-tailed scorpion, and the yellow ground scorpion. All of these are technically venomous, but only the Arizona bark scorpion is considered life-threatening.

Section 1 of 7:

Most Common Types of Scorpions in Arizona

Download Article

1
Arizona Bark Scorpion The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is a nocturnal arachnid, meaning it hunts and forages during the night. During the day, it seeks cool, dark places to rest, such as under stones, plant leaves, or objects on the ground. It’s also the only common climbing scorpion, which means it can scale walls and potentially enter dwellings.^{[1]
X
Research source} Compared to other scorpions, it has longer, thinner pincers and a more slender tail, which can help you identify it.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Habitat: Throughout Arizona and New Mexico, in small areas of Nevada, Utah, and California, and in the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Appearance: Light brown or yellowish in color with no stripes or patterns, slender pincers and tail, up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) in length.^{[4]
  X
  Research source}
- What to do if you see one: The Arizona Bark Scorpion is notable for being the only type in Arizona that’s potentially deadly, so if you think you’ve spotted one, keep your distance and avoid provoking it!
Meet the wikiHow Expert

Samuel Ramsey, PhD, is an entomologist and researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture, specializing in insect disease spread, invasive species ecology, insect pest control, and more.
2
Arizona Stripe-Tailed Scorpion The Arizona stripe-tailed scorpion (Paravaejovis spinigerus) is a burrowing species that is often found in sandy soil, though it can also survive on the desert floor or on rocky hillsides.^{[5]
X
Research source} Stripe-tailed scorpions are sometimes mistaken for the more poisonous Arizona bark scorpion, but they are more heavily armored, have bulkier pincers and tails, and have striped bodies, which can help you tell the difference.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Habitat: Arizona, California, southwestern New Mexico, and the northwestern region of Sonora in Mexico.
- Appearance: About 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) long, stripes on the upper side of the body, heavily armored, bulkier pincers and tails.
- What to do if you see one: The Arizona stripe-tailed scorpion is technically venomous, but it’s not considered dangerous. Still, its sting could be painful, so you should keep your distance!^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
Advertisement
3
Arizona Giant Hairy Scorpion As its name would suggest, the giant hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) is the largest type of scorpion found in North America. It’s a burrowing species like the stripe-tailed scorpion, but it can also be found hiding under objects on the ground.^{[8]
X
Research source} These scorpions use the hair on their body to sense vibrations that alert them to both predators and prey.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- Habitat: Arizona and Southern California.
- Appearance: 5-7 inches (12.7 - 17.78 cm) long, large, bulky bodies, darker-colored bodies, and light, yellowish-buff colored legs, tail, and pincers.
- What to do if you see one: This scorpion is technically considered venomous, but their venom is not toxic to humans, so they’re relatively harmless. Even so, their sting could hurt, so avoid getting too close and exercise caution!^{[10]
  X
  Research source}
4
Yellow Ground Scorpion The yellow ground scorpion (Vaejovis confusus) has thin pinchers like the more poisonous bark scorpion, but thankfully, they have wider and much bulkier tails, which can help you distinguish the two. This burrowing scorpion is typically found on sandy desert soils but is also present on rocky hillsides, and it can also take shelter under objects on the floor.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Habitat: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and northern Mexico.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
- Appearance: Less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) long, slender pincers but a bulkier and wider tail, light tan or yellowish in color.
- What to do if you see one: This scorpion is technically venomous but not considered dangerous or toxic to humans, but like other scorpions, its sting can still hurt, so steer clear and avoid getting too close.

Section 2 of 7:

Are Arizona scorpions dangerous?

Download Article

While all scorpions are technically venomous, the bark scorpion is the only type present in North America that’s considered a threat to healthy human adults. Its venom is stronger than other common types of scorpions, so it can cause more serious reactions, and in rare cases, even death (though this is very uncommon).^{[13]
X
Research source}

Section 3 of 7:

What to Do if You’re Stung by a Scorpion

Download Article

These professionals will be able to help you figure out if you’ve been stung by a dangerous or harmless scorpion, and suggest next steps depending on your symptoms. If you’ve been stung by an Arizona bark scorpion or are having a particularly severe reaction, you may need to seek out medical attention, which could include the administration of scorpion antivenom.^{[14]
X
Research source}

Section 4 of 7:

Scorpion Sting Symptoms

Download Article

Reactions to scorpion stings can range from mild to severe. This depends on the type of scorpion that caused the sting, as well as the person’s age—young children and older adults tend to have a higher risk of complications.^{[15]
X
Trustworthy Source

Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

Go to source} If you notice severe symptoms after being stung by a scorpion, seek medical attention right away. Here’s an overview of both milder and more severe symptoms:
- Milder symptoms occur only at the site of the bite itself. These include:
  - Local pain
  - Numbness and tingling
  - Minimal swelling
  - Warmth
- Symptoms of a more serious reaction are more widespread and systemic. These include:
  - Nausea and vomiting
  - Muscle twitching or jerking
  - Trouble breathing
  - Drooling
  - Sweating
  - Slurred speech
  - High blood pressure
  - Fast heart rate
  - Restlessness
  - Unusual movements of the head, neck, or eyes
- Note: Do not treat a scorpion sting as an allergic reaction, and do not take any antihistamine medications, such as Benadryl, or use an EpiPen. All of these can actually worsen the symptoms of scorpion envenomation.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}

Section 5 of 7:

Scorpion Sting First Aid

Download Article

Do first aid as instructed by a medical professional. If you’ve been stung by a harmless scorpion and your reaction is mild, poison control and/or medical professionals may instruct you to care for it at home. First aid and home care for scorpion stings often includes:
- Cleaning the site of the sting with soap and water
- Applying a cool compress to the area in 10 minute intervals^{[17]
  X
  Research source}
- Taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed^{[18]
  X
  Research source}

Section 6 of 7:

What should you do if you see a scorpion in your home?

Download Article

If you see a scorpion in your home, carefully trap it. As some scorpions are dangerous to humans, entomologist Samuel Ramsey, PhD, says it’s essential to proceed with caution if you spot one in your home.^{[19]
X
Expert Source

Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Entomologist

Expert Interview} You don’t want to let this arachnid roam free or spare it like you might do for a spider or other type of bug—you’ll need to trap it right away. Here’s how:
- Place a quart-sized jar over the scorpion and slide a sheet of heavy construction paper under the jar.
- Next, quickly turn the jar over, so the scorpion falls to the bottom, and screw on the lid to securely trap it.
- If you’re afraid to try to place the jar over the scorpion, you can also use 10-12 inch (25 - 30 cm) long forceps or tongs to safely pick up a scorpion and transfer it to the jar,
- Setting a sticky glue board trap may also work, though you’ll have to watch the scorpion to make sure it walks onto the board.^{[20]
  X
  Research source}

Section 7 of 7:

How to Prevent Scorpions in Your Home

Download Article

1
Secure all entry points to your home. Scorpions are known to enter structures looking for moisture or shelter, and they only need an opening of about 1/16 of an inch to get in.^{[21]
X
Research source} As a result, sealing up or caulking any gaps around your walls, windows, and doors can be super helpful for preventing scorpions! In fact, it’s considered the absolute most effective way to reduce scorpion contact and prevent harmful stings.^{[22]
X
Research source}
- In particular, Dr. Ramsey says breaks in door sweeps and weather stripping are common entry points. “Doors typically have this piece of plastic or a brush installed at the bottom, such that when you shut the door, insects can't get through that little area where the door doesn't quite touch the ground. If the door went all the way down to the ground, it'd be a lot more difficult to open, so the door sweeps keep insects out.”^{[23]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Samuel Ramsey, PhD
  Entomologist
  
  Expert Interview}
- “But, after being opened and closed over and over and over, you may encounter abrasions from rocks and things…That allows scorpions to get inside, especially smaller scorpions or younger scorpions, as they wander about. So, replacing door sweeps and looking for other areas where pest entry points are possible is very, very important to preventing their entry into your home,” Dr. Ramsey concludes.^{[24]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Samuel Ramsey, PhD
  Entomologist
  
  Expert Interview}
2
Don’t store things on the floor. Dr. Ramsey explains that scorpions like dark places, and they tend to live inside burrows. “So, if you have things inside your house that sort of look like a nice little burrow for that scorpion, it might try to take up residence there while it finds a better place to live later,” he says.^{[25]
X
Expert Source

Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Entomologist

Expert Interview} Try to keep clutter off the ground (both inside and outside your house) to avoid providing them with cozy hiding places!^{[26]
X
Research source}
- For example, instead of lining your shoes up on the floor of your closet, consider investing in a shoe rack.
- “Oftentimes, places like shoes can become a little bit of a refuge for them, a shoe or a slipper that's just been hanging out in a corner for a long time,” says Dr. Ramsey.^{[27]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Samuel Ramsey, PhD
  Entomologist
  
  Expert Interview}
- In fact, Dr. Ramsey suggests shaking out your shoes before putting them on, just to make sure there isn’t a scorpion hiding out in there—especially if you haven’t worn the shoe in a while or you’ve seen other scorpions around your home.^{[28]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Samuel Ramsey, PhD
  Entomologist
  
  Expert Interview}
Keep grass closely mowed, and prune any bushes or overhanging tree branches near your home’s structure, as tree branches can provide a path to your roof. Don’t let any rocks, firewood, or clutter accumulate around your home, either—these are perfect hiding places for scorpions!^{[29]
X
Research source}
If you live in an area with many scorpions, it can be helpful to conduct collections during the summer months from the hours of 8-11 p.m. to keep the population at bay. Scorpions glow under UV light, so you should be able to spot them easily. Make sure to wear tall boots to protect yourself, and use long tongs to capture each scorpion.^{[30]
X
Research source}
If you notice multiple scorpions in or around your home, call a pest management professional who is familiar with managing scorpions. Unfortunately, these creatures can be difficult to eradicate alone, but a professional should be able to help you get a hold on the problem!^{[31]
X
Research source}