Arizona Bark Scorpion Sting

By Brooke Bessesen

Bark Scorpion. © Gail Hampshire

"You can't stay up all night!" I told my husband, who insisted on going to bed with a large flashlight, sitting upright and frantically patrolling the walls for any sign of scorpions.

"Oh, don't worry," he said, looking at me expectantly, "I'm just taking the first shift... " I knew then that my poor boy from Long Island had a lot to learn about the desert.

Only a half-hour earlier, while brushing our teeth, we found a bark scorpion wandering along the edge of our tile floor. Minutes later we saw another one scurry across the foyer, and it was then that Kevin, mild-mannered by nature, started to panic.

It had been two weeks since we moved into our new desert community home and only days before, someone at a social gathering had warned us about the number of scorpions we could expect to find due to construction in their habitat. He told us a horror story about a young couple who actually moved back east after finding dozens of scorpions crawling all over their house and trying to climb into the baby's crib. Based on his B-movie description, it actually made a bit of sense, the flashlight and all, but I took a deep breath and reminded Kevin of the facts.

Scorpions have ancient origins and have changed relatively little in overall body form over hundreds of millions of years. Like spiders, they belong to the class Arachnida and have eight legs. They are primarily nocturnal creatures, hiding in protected places during the day and spending nighttime hours hunting insects, spiders and even other scorpions. As cold-blooded animals, their activity is strongly influenced by temperature, so they are generally less active during cold weather, although they may still emerge during warmer periods in winter. Scorpions rely heavily on sensitive hairs and other sensory structures to detect vibrations and movement around them. Thus, with the promise of warmth and shelter, the two scorpions we found that November evening had obviously made an innocent turn and ended up in our house.

Arizona is home to about 30 species of scorpions, but only the Arizona bark scorpion is considered potentially life-threatening to humans. Two of the better-known desert species are the giant desert hairy scorpion, the largest scorpion in the United States at up to about 5 inches long, and the much smaller tan Arizona bark scorpion, recognized by its slender pincers and tail.

Despite humans and scorpions living in such close proximity, serious complications from scorpion stings are uncommon. Still, the Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion in the state considered potentially life-threatening to humans. Its venom affects the nervous system and can cause intense pain, numbness and tingling, while severe reactions may produce abnormal eye or body movements and other neurological symptoms. Young children are at the greatest risk of serious reactions and should be watched especially carefully after a suspected bark scorpion sting.

I have been stung twice and experienced local pain and sensitivity with little swelling at the site. I also developed trouble swallowing (a "lump" in my throat), abnormal eye movements and a restless feeling. Other symptoms of a bark scorpion sting can include numbness and tingling, and severe reactions may cause uncontrolled eye or body movements, drooling or other neurological symptoms. Difficulty breathing or other severe symptoms require immediate emergency medical attention. For first aid, wash the sting site with soap and water and apply a cool compress. For guidance after a suspected scorpion sting, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Antivenom is available in hospitals for severe Arizona bark scorpion envenomation when medically appropriate.

Pets can also be stung by scorpions, and their reactions can vary. If you know or suspect that a pet has been stung and it shows unusual behavior, drooling, abnormal movements, difficulty breathing or other concerning symptoms, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic promptly for advice and treatment.

Although scorpions will sting in self-defense, they are generally not considered aggressive. It's important to understand the appropriate level of danger to keep fear in check. Remember, their stinger has the express purpose of spearing food, similar to our use of a fork. If a person was threatened and all they had was a fork, they could jab that fork, and might even injure an attacker. But forks are made for eating not stabbing - someone would have to be very frightened for their safety to start wielding their dining utensil!

As it turned out, we did take a lot of scorpions out of our house that first year, 26 to be exact, but not one of them caused any problems. Since then, the number of scorpions seen each season has dropped dramatically to one or two. Nowadays, Kevin is the one explaining the facts and helping ease the minds of freaked out friends with uninvited house guests. He even finds a bit of humor in their irrational phobia. And that's pretty good for a guy who sat up all night with his flashlight not so very long ago.

Arizona Animals