Do Arizona Bark Scorpions Sting? Are They Dangerous?
Short answer: the Arizona bark scorpion can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
Risk rating: Health risk
Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
Are Arizona bark scorpions dangerous to humans?
Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
On our four-level scale, the Arizona bark scorpion is rated health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Arizona Bark Scorpions can sting, so it is worth handling them with care.
Are they dangerous to pets?
Arizona Bark Scorpions can bite or sting curious pets that paw at them or try to eat them. Watch for swelling, drooling or limping, and call your veterinarian right away if your pet has trouble breathing or a large reaction.
Can they damage your home or garden?
Arizona Bark Scorpions don't damage homes, but their presence indoors is a safety concern.
What to do if you are stung
- Move away from the area to avoid more stings.
- If a stinger is left in the skin, scrape it out sideways with a fingernail or card.
- Wash with soap and water and apply a cold pack.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever or antihistamine if needed, following the label.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
How to identify Arizona bark scorpions
A slender, light tan scorpion of the desert Southwest and the most venomous scorpion in North America. It climbs walls and ceilings and often hides in shoes, bedding and clothing.
- Thin, light yellowish-tan body and slender pincers
- Tail often curled to the side at rest
- Glows under ultraviolet black light
| Scientific name | Centruroides sculpturatus |
|---|---|
| Group | Ticks, Mites & Other Arachnids |
| Size | 50–80 mm (up to about 3.1 in) |
| Colors | Tan and Yellow |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere, Yard or patio and Bedroom or bed |
| Most active | Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | Yes |
| Risk level | Health risk |
When you'll see Arizona bark scorpions
Arizona Bark Scorpions are most active in spring, summer and fall. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere, yard or patio and bedroom or bed.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The Arizona bark scorpion is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
How to avoid problems with Arizona bark scorpions
- Seal gaps around doors, windows and plumbing
- Use a black light at night to find and remove scorpions
- Move beds away from walls and shake out shoes and clothing
Frequently asked questions
Do Arizona bark scorpions bite?
No. Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
Do Arizona bark scorpions sting?
Yes, they can sting.
Are Arizona bark scorpions poisonous?
The Arizona bark scorpion can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease. Bark scorpion stings cause severe pain and numbness and can be dangerous for young children and older adults; call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 after a sting.
Where do Arizona bark scorpions live?
Arizona Bark Scorpions are usually found indoors, in yards and on patios and in bedrooms and beds, and are most active in spring, summer and fall.