The Eyes Have It
Most people know that scorpions have eight legs, two claws and one stinger, but few are aware that many species have ten eyes. Fortunately, quantity is no match for quality in this case; despite their ocular endowment, scorpions actually can’t see terribly well. Less fortunately, their other senses make up for it.
They’re Tough as Nails
Along with cockroaches and some species of lizards, scorpions are among the most resilient animals on Earth, easily withstanding very high temperatures. In fact, scorpions have been found near nuclear test sites with no observable adverse effects.
One oft-repeated “fact” about scorpions, however, is definitely an urban legend: Frozen scorpions don’t just come back to life if they’re later thawed. Freezing a scorpion will, in fact, kill it.
They Can Go (Almost) Anywhere
Having eight legs definitely has its advantages when it comes to getting around, but Arizona bark scorpions are very mobile even compared to other arachnids. They’re one of the few species in the Southwest that can climb trees, walls and other rough surfaces, and they’re fond of hanging upside down.
Like most desert animals, Arizona scorpions seek out moisture wherever they can get it, which means they’re fond of irrigated lawns and other man-made systems. While they don’t burrow, they can squeeze through gaps as narrow as 1/16 of an inch. Few Phoenix and Tucson are wholly without scorpions.
The Only Thing Worse Than One Scorpion…
Scorpions, by and large, are solitary creatures. The Arizona bark scorpion is a rare exception. Especially during the winter, it’s not uncommon to see packs of 20 to 30 of them congregate. At least they’re easier to spot and avoid in such numbers.
The good news about Arizona scorpions is that, while they’re venomous enough to hurt humans, they’re rarely deadly. Only two recorded fatalities have happened in Arizona since at least 1968. Still, scorpion stings can be very dangerous, especially for small children, elderly people and adults with compromised immune systems. A sting can cause severe pain for 24 to 72 hours, combined with numbness, tingling, vomiting and temporary dysfunction in the area stung.
Fortunately, we at Burns Pest Elimination are Arizona’s leading experts on scorpion control.
