Scorpions are commonly found in the Southwest United States because of the area’s great habitats and appealing temperature. While this part of the U.S. is an ideal place for scorpions, most homeowners still find these arachnids terrifying and dangerous. While most scorpions provide a sting to capture their prey and may sting potentials humans, most scorpions are still considered not dangerous, and may just provide a sting that is similar to a bee sting. However, some scorpions in the Southwest U.S is still venomous and may provide an allergic reaction to sensitive individuals.
The Most Common Scorpions in the Southwest United States
Bark Scorpion
The bark scorpion is a common scorpion in the southern California and southern Arizona, but they can also be found in western New Mexico. Bark scorpions are great climbers, and can be sometimes found climbing on walls and walking across ceilings. They climb in search of where they can enter homes, which is why they can be found inside homes.
Although the bark scorpion is considered the most venomous scorpion in America, death from the sting of this scorpion is extremely rare. However, the impact of the sting of this scorpion is stronger than other scorpion species. Victims may experience very intense pain that is together by a hot burning sensation. Some victims may even experience difficulty in breathing, numbness, vomiting, frothing at the mouth, and sometimes convulsions. One sign of an allergic reaction is difficulty in swallowing.
Striped Bark Scorpion
The striped bark scorpion is a common scorpion in the southwestern U.S, and can also be found in northern Mexico. Unlike the bark scorpion, this scorpion spends most of its day on the ground, under rocks and surface debris. They search for cool, damp places for shelter, and can be more active at night than during the day.
The venom of this scorpion is not actually dangerous to humans. However, allergic reactions may also be encountered especially by sensitive individuals. A sign of an allergic reaction to the sting of the striped bark scorpion is difficulty in breathing. When this occurs, seek medical attention. But, in most cases, the sting of this scorpion may just last 20 minute that is together with a sharp pain, followed by another day of mild discomfort.
Arizona Hairy Scorpion
The Arizona hairy scorpion is found in Arizona, southern California, Colorado desert, southern Nevada, and Utah. This scorpion prefers to live in hot and dry places, and can be found around washes or low-elevation valleys. Arizona hairy scorpions are the largest scorpion found in the United States, and are known for their name as a hairy scorpion because their body together with their metasoma and pedipalps are covered with hairs.
Stripe-Tailed Scorpion
This scorpion is common in Arizona and New Mexico, and prefers to hide under rocks during the day and hunt during the night. The stripe-tailed scorpion is aggressive and quick, but they rarely sting humans as they mostly stay outdoors. Although they have a venomous stinger, this scorpion uses its sting to capture insects or spiders. In the case that this spider render its sting to a human victim, the sting may still provide a very painful sting, but is still not considered dangerous to humans.
If you need help in controlling scorpions, visit scorpion control for more information.