3 Widespread Scorpion Population Myths

Scorpions are scary little creatures that can be a huge nuisance in your Arizona home. They are prolific here in the desert landscape and they can give you a nasty surprise when you slip on your loafers or pull back your comforter.

Because scorpions are such a problem here in Arizona, a lot of myths have sprung up about them. People are very interested in effective scorpion control in Gilbert or prevention, so they search for any answers, and sometimes the answers they get aren’t right but offer enough hope that they persist.

Our goal at Seal Out Scorpions is to provide the education so that people can make the right decisions about scorpion control and prevention. We also provide scorpion home sealing in Gilbert and other treatments to keep these unwanted pests out of your home.

Here are 3 myths, which are just a few we hear about scorpions in the course of our work:

Myth #1: Baby Scorpions are More Venomous than Adult Scorpions

A lot of people think that baby scorpions have a more toxic venom than adult scorpions, which can make them less concerned than when they are in the presence of an adult scorpion. They might think that as long as they don’t see babies, their problem is not as bad. The reality is that baby scorpions are not necessarily more venomous than adults.

It is the species of the scorpion that determines its toxicity, not the size of the scorpion. Bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpion found in Arizona, and bark scorpions are the smallest of the scorpion species typically found in the state. The sting from a bark scorpion can be life-threatening, while the sting from many larger scorpions may be painful but won’t have lasting consequences.

Scientists have theorized that the bark scorpions have a more toxic sting because they are smaller and weaker, so they developed a stronger defense mechanism. Larger species, like the Desert Hairy Scorpion, have powerful claws and brute strength that give them more leverage for survival.

One reason for this myth, that baby scorpions are more venomous than adults, is that if you are not highly trained to recognize scorpion species, it can be very difficult to determine which scorpions are babies and which are adults. Many scorpions look similar and an adult bark scorpion could look like a baby compared to a different and larger species of scorpion in Arizona.

Finally, besides the species, the toxicity of the scorpion could be different based on gender. Males tend to give more of a warning sting that is less toxic, as they are more adept to flee quickly for protection. Whereas females, tend to move slower and are likely to give a harsher sting as a defense mechanism and making up for the ability to find cover or protection.

Myth #2: Insecticides Don’t Work on Scorpions

Scorpions are not easy to kill, and once they get inside your home, it can seem impossible to get rid of them. That’s one reason why the myth has persisted that insecticides don’t work to kill them.

Another reason this myth persists is that insecticides are designed to kill insects, and scorpions are not insects. They are distant cousins of spiders, which are arachnids. Scorpions also live a very long time, which can make them seem impervious to these chemicals. Bark scorpions, for example, are estimated to live three to eight years (sometimes more), while most insects only survive a single season.

Insecticides are not highly effective on scorpions if the expectation is to kill them immediately and before they get into your home or keep them from repopulating on your property. Often, you can kill a scorpion in minutes if sprayed directly. However, if they are just in contact with dried residual insecticide, it could take days, weeks or even months for the poison to do its job. These slow dying scorpions are often the ones getting into the home.

You aren’t likely to be able to spray insecticides on most of the scorpions directly since they like to hide in dark, protected spaces. They are going to be inside your block walls, home walls and cracks and crevices found all through the property. Even if you do spray a few scorpions directly, most scorpions are protected and more are coming from the neighborhood.

It’s not that insecticides don’t work on scorpions, it’s that most people have unrealistic expectations about how the insecticides work and what they can and cannot do. To further decrease the results, it is more common than not that less than optimal products and combination of products are used along with ineffective or week application techniques.

Myth #3: Scorpions are Only in New Neighborhoods and Those Surrounded by Desert

Many people believe that building in desert areas is driving scorpion populations into those newer homes. However, the truth is that scorpion populations are increasing in all Phoenix Valley neighborhoods except the downtown business and living districts.

Typically, true scorpion infestations are more common in older neighborhoods, where the colonies have become established and have grown quite large. Fewer homes, in older neighborhoods, may have scorpions. However, those that do, tend to have more getting in the home than those in newer homes or in desert communities. Scorpions are still showing up in new builds and in desert neighborhoods, but they tend to be found in more homes, just fewer in each individual home.

What does drive scorpion growth and migration, is changes in microclimates and the activity levels in different areas. Changing weather patterns and warmer temperatures have made the Valley area a welcome and thriving haven for scorpions.

The “green” movement is also encouraging the rise in the scorpion population. The Environmental Protection Agency has banned many of the harsher chemicals that were effective in controlling scorpions. The E.P.A. has also restricted some of the application methods that makes it more difficult for scorpion control.

It is important that we understand these and other myths about scorpions so that we can effectively control their populations and make Arizona homes safer for everyone.

Seal Out Scorpions provides education and support in scorpion control options for Arizona homeowners, including a highly comprehensive, professional and effective scorpion home sealing. We seal both inside and outside openings to eliminate and significantly reduce options for scorpions to get inside or to propagate, ensuring maximum scorpion prevention. We provide effective, initial services as well as ongoing maintenance. Don’t wake up to another unwelcome surprise or let your family live in fear or jeopardy. Call us today to learn more about our Gilbert scorpion prevention and control services, including scorpion home sealing.

Published By:
Georgia Clubb – Seal Out Scorpions

124 West Orion Street Suite F6
Tempe, Arizona 85283

Telephone: 480-820-7325
Email: gclubb@sealoutscorpions.com
Website: sealoutscorpions.com