Two Reasons Why Winter Bark Scorpion Control Is a Must February 8, 2022 - By: Bob Gilbert, Board Certified Entomologist As temperatures fall, pest activities drop in kind…including scorpion activity. With decreased activity, it’s easy to adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ attitude. However, skipping bark scorpion control during winter months results in missing one of the most opportune times to treat.Keep reading to find out some interesting facts about the Arizona bark scorpion and the two reasons why winter scorpion control is a must.Arizona Bark Scorpion: The BasicsAt just over 3 inches, the Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion in the United States considered life threatening to humans. While stings are rarely fatal, they do cause extreme pain and medical attention is advised for pets, young children, elderly, and those with chronic medical conditions.Related: How to Avoid Scorpion StingsArizona bark scorpions are found throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. They prefer riparian areas, but the explosive growth in the valley, and corresponding landscape and irrigation systems, have provided favorable conditions for bark scorpions to adapt to the urban environment.Having survived months of being frozen and even showing no adverse effects after being found near ground zero of nuclear testing sites, the Arizona bark scorpion is incredibly resilient.In addition to being resilient, and unlike most scorpions, Arizona bark scorpions are excellent climbers. Combine their climbing skills with their ability to fit into spaces as small as 1/16th of an inch, and it is easy to see why bark scorpions are often found as uninvited guests within homes.While the Arizona bark scorpion is incredibly adaptable and resilient, proper treatment can keep them under control. Let’s jump into why proper treatment during winter months is especially important.Reason 1: Winter GatheringAs temperatures decrease and daylight hours get shorter, scorpions gather in groups seeking safe haven in hidden places. In addition, Arizona bark scorpions enter diapause, a state of lower to no activity brought on by unfavorable environmental conditions, namely colder temperatures. They will stay in diapause until nighttime temperatures average 73°F or above.Related: Winter Time Scorpion Control in ArizonaSo, during winter months, Arizona bark scorpions are gathered together in a state of minimal activity, thus increasing the effectiveness of proper scorpion treatment.Reason 2: Mating ActivityThe other reason winter treatment is a must revolves around the Arizona bark scorpions’ mating activities. Often mating in the fall, female bark scorpions have a gestation period throughout the winter months. As weather warms, the resulting litters range from 25-35 young scorpions contributing to increased activity in the spring.Thus, proper winter scorpion treatment, during the gestation period, minimizes the next generation of bark scorpions before they become a problem.RecapAs mentioned previously, colder winter months result in little to no scorpion activity, but it is the opportune time to apply the proper bark scorpion treatment because…Scorpions are gathered together in a lethargic state (diapause) compounding the effects of proper treatment.Addressing bark scorpions during the gestation period reduces the next wave of scorpions before they are born.Why Blue SkyBeing an Arizona owned company, with a technical management team with over 100 years of Arizona pest experience, and technicians with at least 100 hours of training, we have the know how to keep your Arizona home scorpion and pest free. As always, we are happy to tailor a customized plan to fit your unique scorpion and pest needs.
Winter Time Scorpion Control in Arizona March 1, 2019 - By: Nathan Woolf We have mild winter weather here in Arizona, so many of our pest populations stay active. A common myth is that scorpions die off during the winter, but they actually just hibernate. In fact, because scorpions don’t like cold weather, they often choose to hibernate in homes where they can stay warm all winter. Here’s what you need to know about scorpion control in the winter months.Arizona Bark Scorpions Live Year-RoundScorpions are very resilient and can survive extremely cold temperatures and bark scorpions hibernate during the winter. While scorpions are solitary creatures, bark scorpions actually hibernate together in clusters of up to 30 scorpions.Although they can survive cold temperatures, scorpions don’t like the cold so they hide in warm places in the winter. As the temperatures begin to cool down in the fall, scorpions look for a warm dark place to hibernate. Often, this means that scorpions will make their way inside your home during the winter months to stay warm. Once inside, they hide in any dark, warm crevice that they can find. Scorpions only need an opening 1/16” wide to intrude, so they can be found in crevices between floors and baseboards, behind furniture, and even in shoes.If you have scorpions in your home in the winter, you’ll likely notice them as the days start to get a little bit warmer. We often hear from people needing scorpion control when the weather starts to warm up, and one of the common misconceptions is that scorpion season is beginning. In fact, these scorpions found in your home were most likely hibernating all winter long. Sometimes, however, they aren’t noticed until the outside temperatures start to warm up, and scorpions come out of hibernation. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programWinter Scorpion Control in Phoenix Once you discover a scorpion or scorpions in your home in the winter, we recommend you contact a reputable pest control company to treat for scorpions. At Blue Sky, our process to deal with scorpions is thorough and effective. We begin by treating the full perimeter of block wall around your property then additionally apply product to the perimeter foundation to create a barrier designed to keep pests out of your home. In addition to protecting the home, our applications focus on where bugs nest and breed, targeting them at their source.At Blue Sky Pest Control, we always mix our products at the maximum recommended level specifically to control scorpions. By taking a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to winter scorpion control, we can help ensure that your home is scorpion free within an appropriate time frame.Arizona Scorpion PreventionIn Phoenix, prevention is one of the best steps you can take to ensure winter control of scorpions. This begins by ensuring that all entry points are closed off. Scorpions can enter a home through the tiniest crack, so it’s important to make sure that your home is sealed at pipes, utility entry points, and doors. A good rule of thumb is that if you can see daylight through an entry point into your home, it probably needs to be repaired or replaced. For example, replacing old weather stripping on doors can help prevent scorpions from getting inside your home. Another good step to take to prevent scorpion entry into your home is to make sure trees, foliage, and shrubbery are trimmed away from your house, and not to overwater plants as scorpions thrive on water.If you have taken steps to repair common entry points, your home is well prepared to begin preventative scorpion treatment. A licensed Arizona pest control company can come in to exterminate scorpions and focus on areas that are difficult to seal. A preventative approach to winter scorpion control will set you up for success year-round in Phoenix. At Blue Sky Pest Control, our integrated pest management solution is designed to provide you with recommendations customized to your home. With our recommendations, you can make your home scorpion-proof.After your home has been treated for scorpions, and you’ve taken preventative measures to seal your home to limit scorpions entry into your home, you’re ready for year-round preventative scorpion treatment. At Blue Sky, our services are fully guaranteed. We recommend regular services to ensure that the foundation of your home remains an effective barrier for keeping pests out of your home. Our scorpion control also targets earwigs, cockroaches, and ants at no additional charge.Free Estimate Winter Scorpion ControlArmed with knowledge about scorpion activity in the winter, you can effectively treat your home to control existing scorpion populations in and around your home and prevent future scorpion infestations.Please call us with any questions at (480) 635-8492. Our call center staff includes Arizona licensed technicians who can help assess your needs and answer your questions. In most cases, we can provide a treatment plan and pricing right over the phone. We give free estimates for the entire Phoenix area including Gilbert, Peoria, Mesa, and more.
How to Avoid Scorpion Stings May 24, 2018 - By: Nathan Woolf “Bark scorpion stings are on the rise, according to the Poison and Drug Information Center at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix.”Dealing with bugs and pests like spiders, ants, and bees is a fact of life when you live in Arizona. One of the pests that draws the most concern is the scorpion. Naturally, many residents ask how do I avoid being stung by a scorpion? Luckily, there are some steps you can take to avoid the risk of you, your family, and pets being stung.One of the most dangerous and venomous is the Arizona Bark Scorpion. A bite or more accurately, a sting from a bark scorpion is not only painful but potentially life-threatening if you don’t see immediate medical help. It’s important to note that, scorpions are not typically aggressive and they don’t sting unless provoked. Because they can control the amount of venom they release depending on how threatened they feel they are, if you do get stung, your symptoms and reaction may be less severe.You can avoid a scorpion sting and reduce your risk if you know what to look for and how to act quickly. These tips can help reduce the chance of an unexpected sting.How to Avoid Being Stung by a Bark ScorpionBark scorpion stings are on the rise, according to the Poison and Drug Information Center at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix. It may not be possible to completely avoid bark scorpions, but you can cut down the risk of encountering one of them — and their stings — by recognizing their favorite spots in your home and being able to proactively monitor those areas.Related: How to rid your home of scorpions.According to a study by Banner Poison and Drug Information Center based on calls, 33 percent of scorpion sting victims were in the bedroom, 24 percent in the living room and six percent in the bathroom. Here’s 6 tips to avoid being one of the scorpion sting statistics:“Scorpion-proof” your child’s crib. Bark scorpions love to climb, and baby cribs are no exception. Reduce the risk of having one climb or fall into the crib by moving it away from the wall. Also, take off any crib skirts and place the crib legs in glass jars. If you’re really worried, install crib netting over the crib — and over all of the beds in the house.Always check your bed. You might be exhausted, but bark scorpions can hide within your sheets. Simply pull back your comforter and check before you hop in to reduce your risk of getting a bark scorpion sting.Check your clothes before putting them on (especially your shoes!). Bark scorpions can hide in your clothes, especially if you leave them on the floor. Always shake your shoes before you put them on in case a bark scorpion snuck in there while you weren’t looking.Never go outside barefoot. Going barefoot on a nice day sounds like heaven, but you could inadvertently step on a bark scorpion. Just don’t risk it!Make your home inhospitable to bark scorpions. Don’t let faucets leak, or allow standing water on your property. Always put away pet dishes when they’re not being used — and don’t forget to clean up any brush or clutter outside!Quick Facts About Bark ScorpionsBark scorpions, like other types of scorpions, don’t have teeth. What they do have is a fang-like stinger, located in the tail, that can pierce the skin and inject a mixture of toxins that can affect the central nervous system.Bark scorpions are typically two- to three inches long with two distinct parts to their bodies: The cephalothorax and abdomen, which includes the tail. It has eight jointed legs and a pair of pedipalps used to grab prey (kind of like lobster claws).They prefer cool, dark places — like between rocks and in brush and trees — but can make their way into your home. You can spot them by their light brown to brownish-yellow color with dark lengthwise bands, but they also glow green under UV light. They’re most active in the spring, summer, and fall and hibernate during the winter.How Common Are Bark Scorpion Stings?Bark scorpions don’t seek out people or animals to sting but will if they feel threatened, especially if you stumble into their hiding spots.Biologist Marilyn Bloom from Arizona State University’s Scorpion Antivenin Program says you can best avoid bark scorpion stings if you “don’t put your fingers or toes where you can’t see them.”Of course, that’s often easier said than done.How to Spot a Bark Scorpion StingBark scorpion stings can feel a lot like a spider bite, but bark scorpion sting symptoms include an immediate burning feeling or pain, a little swelling, sensitivity to touch, and a numb or tingling sensation. Severe symptoms include unconsciousness, convulsions, and blurry vision and should be addressed with medical treatment immediately.When in doubt, always seek medical attention. Better safe than sorry when it comes to bark scorpion stings. If you need scorpion control at your home or business, click here to get your free quote.
How to Get Rid of Scorpions in Your Home November 17, 2016 - By: Nathan Woolf What to do When you find Scorpions in the Home – Phoenix, ArizonaQuestion: We just moved to Gilbert, AZ from Ithaca, NY and I’ve seen some scorpions around my home. How do I get rid of them? I’ve got small kids and one of them getting stung worries me. First off, welcome to Arizona! We receive a lot of calls like this from people asking us if it is possible to get rid of scorpions and how to stop scorpions from getting in their house. We will describe a 4-step process one can use to reduce the likelihood that scorpions get inside a home.Step 1: Prevent them from getting into the home through proper exclusionStep 2: Eliminate, where possible, places scorpions like to be. Scorpions like to rest under potted plants, pool toy bins, debris around the home, tarps, sheds, in the palm fronds of palm trees. Eliminate these areas by:Placing potted plants on standsMoving pool toy bins or other containers away from the home or off the ground or into the garage.Removing debris around the homeMake sure that landscaping is properly maintainedScorpions also love river rock, rail road ties and decorative stacked brick that some use in landscape design. Where possible eliminate these features.Step 3: Find and remove them from the property and use glue boards Are you open to going on a scorpion hunt? If so, this is a great way to reduce the population around your home. You will need to get a black light and after dark, go out and inspect around your home in the places described above. Once you find them be sure to have the proper personal protective equipment so you don’t get stung. They are fast, so be ready to move quickly.In addition, you can place glue boards in places that scorpions may likely travel.Step 4: Judicious use of pesticidesThere are products that are effective against scorpions. Using these products in addition to the steps identified above will provide the best results. Following the label for application and safety data sheets are critical and many often leave this step to professionals, which we recommend too.Following these 4-steps will provide the best results in controlling scorpions around your home. If you have any questions on what to do if you find a scorpion in the house let us know and we are happy to help.To rid your home of scorpions, contact Blue Sky Pest Control.
Arizona’s Infamous Pest: The Scorpion June 12, 2014 - By: Nathan Woolf You’ve probably seen it before, scuttling across the ground with its arched, sharp tail hanging in the air. Quite possibly you have seen one or two of these pests in your own home and maybe in businesses as well. Scorpions are quite prevalent in Arizona; the University of Arizona has stated that at least 56 species of scorpions have been identified in the state alone.Scorpions are arachnids, like spiders or ticks, and have eight legs. The pair of lobster-like grasping claws and the narrow tail—complete with the telltale stinger—easily identify them. While all scorpions carry venom in their stingers, there is only one species of scorpion whose venom is strong enough to cause serious harm to human health: the Arizona bark scorpion.Related: Are Landlords Responsible For Pest Control?Identifying the Bark ScorpionThe bark scorpion is usually small, measuring only between 2 to 3 inches long. They are usually light tan in color, which allows them to blend into the native desert environment. These scorpions are mainly active during the night. Unlike other scorpions, they are good climbers and can be found on walls, ceilings, and even curtains. Also unlike other scorpion species, bark scorpions congregate with other bark scorpions in the winter.Scorpion StingsFor most scorpion stings, there is little danger; simple use of painkillers is sufficient to relieve minor localized swelling and pain. However, according to Banner Health, stings from the bark scorpion have been known to cause serious effects, including burning pain in the area stung, numbness and tingling in other areas of the body, difficulty swallowing and excessive drooling, slurred speech, muscle twitching and respiratory problems. Serious health complications from bark scorpions stings are rare and are most likely to occur with individuals that experience a serious allergic reaction to the sting. Even when you don’t have an allergic reaction to the sting, it still hurts!What to Do in Event of a StingIn the event that a scorpion stings you and you show any serious symptoms or allergic reactions, seek immediate attention with your health care professional. Individuals with impaired immune systems should also seek immediate medical attention.Preventing Scorpion StingsPreventing scorpion infestation is the best way to prevent getting stung. We are often asked by new customers if there are steps they can take to help get rid of scorpions. Here are some simple steps that will help keep scorpions out of our home as well as reduce the nesting sites around your home where they like to live and breed.Download our free report: 5 Steps to Help Scorpion Proof Your HomeMake sure weather stripping around doors, windows, and pet doors seal properly and are not worn. If you can see daylinght or small openings around these areas you should get the weather stripping replaced.Remove loose objects and any clutter close to the home and in the yard.Boxes, tarps, pool toys, bricks, containers and other debris are places that scorpions hide under. If there are items that you need to keep, move them away from the home and keep these items off the ground.Keep potted plants off the ground and do not overwater.Remove wood piles or move the wood as far away from the home as possible.Prune back trees and bushed from touching the home or hanging over the roofline.Keep palm trees properly trimmed.Excessive water or leaks can attract scorpions. Fix leaky sprinkler systems and eliminate areas where there is standing water.Shake and examine clothing before putting it on (especially shoes). Wear shoes at all times when outdoors, and check beds and bed linens before lying in them. My mom was stung 5 times by the same scorpion in bed. They are not trying to find you to sting you, they are just out foraging for food, water and looking for shelter and when they come in contact with humans they defend themselves.ConclusionWhile most species of scorpion pose little dangers to humans, there are some risks posed by a few, especially the bark scorpion. However, by taking proper measures, you can reduce the likelihood of coming face to face with Arizona’s most infamous pest.If you live in the Phoenix area then we can provide you with scorpion control. We serve the entire area including Gilbert, Scottsdale, and Mesa. Click here to get your free quote!
Scorpion Snacks September 18, 2013 - By: Nathan Woolf The Arizona bark scorpion is a year-round pest in Arizona, and they are the most venomous scorpion in North America. In the fall and winter, once cooler temperatures arrive, they often seek relief from the weather inside homes. That’s why our scorpion treatments are so thorough – it’s important that we treat the full perimeter of your home, during which time our technicians target scorpions where they nest and breed.But what if scorpions weren’t just a dangerous pest? In fact, in many countries, scorpions are treated as a delicious delicacy. Here are some of the most interesting scorpion preparations we could find:ChinaIn some restaurants in China, scorpions are a popular item on the menu, and diners can be seen enjoying scorpions along with a cup of tea. Though scorpions are poisonous, the venom is neutralized during the high heat required for stir frying, or by soaking live scorpions in rice vinegar. Some people describe the taste of raw scorpions as similar to raw shrimp.Fried and seasoned scorpion kebabs are a popular street food, and some people believe scorpions are good for eating in the winter months – they make your blood hotter in cold weather.In the WildSome people have been forced to eat scorpions for survival in the wild. You can trap scorpions in a smooth, open-topped container positioned near their nesting holes. Survivalists recommend that you skewer the scorpions on a stick, discard their venomous tails, and roast them over an open flame until they are blackened.Scorpion CandyGot a sweet tooth? There’s probably a scorpion treat out there for you! Many candy companies offer gourmet lollipops and hard candies with small, edible scorpions embedded inside. You can even find chocolate-covered scorpions for sale at some gourmet shops and county fair stands.ThailandVendors on Khao San Road, a popular Thai street food market, and in other food markets in Thailand, sell bags of freshly fried insects in the evening. They’re a popular tourist dare, but locals like to pair them with a cold beer. Scorpions tend to be a little more difficult to eat than other bug snacks available, like crickets, giant water bugs, ants and bamboo locusts, due to their hard shells.VietnamIn addition to the usual fried, grilled or roasted scorpion fare, a small community in Thailand also offers snake and scorpion rice wine. Whole cobras and huge scorpions are submerged in the wine, and after months of fermenting, their venom has been inactivated. This unique brew is considered healthy, and is said to ease back pain, arthritis and lumbago – as well as being a powerful aphrodisiac.While you might not be chowing down on any of these delicacies in the near future, you may still see some scorpions in your home. That’s when you should give us a call – we’ll make sure they leave you and your family in peace – and maybe we’ll throw a few on the grill while we’re at it.Photo credit: ConstantineD via photopin cc
Introducing the Centruoides sculpturatus, or Arizona Bark Scorpion October 23, 2012 - By: Nathan Woolf Arizona Bark ScorpionThe Centruroides sculpturatus, or Arizona Bark Scorpion, is a scorpion unique to the southwest United States and is the only scorpion species in Arizona that is considered life threatening. Arizona Bark Scorpions are small and light brown in color. Here is what you need to know about bark scorpions in Arizona.Where Are Bark Scorpions FoundArizona bark scorpions live in the southwestern United States. Because they are so small in size, bark scorpions are frequently found in residential areas and inside homes. Due to the fact that an Arizona Bark Scorpion can enter a home with less than 1/16 of an inch of an opening, they are commonly found inside Arizona homes. These scorpions are found primarily in Arizona, but they also exist in portions of Southern California and New Mexico, as they are particularly well suited to living in desert conditions. Bark scorpions can often be found in groves of trees where the humidity can support the insects they prey on, but due to humidity in residential neighborhoods with irrigation, they also thrive in homes.Most bark scorpions prey at night and prefer to be hidden in dark, damp areas during the day. They can be found under bricks or stones in gardens and inside the home.Danger To Humans and PetsThe bark scorpion is the only scorpion in Arizona whose bite is considered to be possibly life threatening. The bite of the Bark scorpion can inflict severe pain that lasts for anywhere for 24 – 72 hours. The bites can be accompanied by numbness and tingling in the afflicted area, and can cause the area to become immobilized or temporarily dysfunctional after the bite. For example, if your hand is bitten, it would not be uncommon for your hand to become immobilized or experience convulsions in the few days after you are bitten.Though their bites are painful and Bark scorpions are considered to be the most venomous scorpion, fatalities from scorpion stings in the United States are rare. Small animals and pets, small children and adults with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to the venom of a Bark scorpion. Due to the life threatening aspect of an Arizona Bark scorpion stings, it is best to protect your home against scorpions with a pest control service and also to contact a medical provider immediately if you are bitten by a scorpion. $50 Off Your Initial Service CALL NOW GET QUOTEOffer valid when you start any Blue Sky 365 programControlling Arizona Bark ScorpionsArizona Bark Scorpions feed on other insects, pests and even other scorpions. As a result, the first step to securing your home against Arizona Bark scorpions is to have regular pest control services to keep your home pest free. The Arizona Bark scorpion is incredibly resilient. These scorpions have survived months of being frozen and even show no adverse affects after being found near ground zero of Nuclear testing in the United States. Because of this, our experts in Arizona pest control are experienced in the methods necessary to rid your home of Arizona bark scorpions.Learn More About the Bark Scorpion in Phoenix Our scorpion control products are mixed at the proper, EPA approved levels to obtain optimum scorpion control, and we apply scorpion control products in areas where scorpions are likely to nest in order to control the Arizona bark scorpion population in and around your home. A Blue Sky Pest control technician will provide you with a customized plan to control all the pests in your home, including Bark scorpions.If you find Bark scorpions in your home, the most important thing to remember is that you should contact a medical professional if you are bitten. Furthermore, preventative pest control can help minimize the presence of Arizona bark scorpions in and around your home. As always, we’re happy to talk to you about a customized plan for your home and give you tips for protecting your family and pets by controlling pests and scorpions in your Arizona home.
