Scorpions are present in Prescott, Arizona, and residents of Yavapai County should be aware of these arachnids. While the area’s higher elevation and cooler climate mean scorpion populations are not as dense as those in the lower Sonoran Desert around Phoenix, they are certainly established. Scorpions are highly adaptable predators that thrive in various habitats, including the semi-arid environment surrounding Prescott. Knowing which species are common locally and understanding the potential risks is important for both homeowners and visitors.
Scorpion Species Found in Prescott
The largest and most frequently encountered species in the Prescott area is the Arizona Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis). This species is the largest scorpion in North America, often reaching lengths of up to 5.5 inches (14 cm). It is easily recognizable by its robust size, yellowish color, and the dense, brownish hairs covering its body, which help it sense ground vibrations. The Arizona Hairy Scorpion is a burrowing species, preferring to dig deep retreats in sandy or loose soil, though it is often found under rocks and debris.
The venom of the Arizona Hairy Scorpion is generally considered mild and not medically significant for healthy adults. Though its sting is painful, often described as similar to a bee sting, it typically results only in localized swelling and minor pain.
The area also sees the presence of the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), which is the only species in the United States considered to be of medical importance. The Arizona Bark Scorpion is much smaller, measuring only about 2 to 3 inches long, and possesses a slender body and thin pincers. These scorpions are a light tan or yellowish color. Unlike the Hairy Scorpion, they are adept climbers, often found on walls, trees, and the undersides of objects, and can readily enter homes through tiny openings.
Understanding the Sting Risk
A sting from the Arizona Hairy Scorpion typically produces immediate, intense localized pain, minor swelling, and sometimes a tingling sensation at the site. For most healthy adults, these symptoms usually subside within a few hours and do not require specialized medical treatment. However, any individual with a known allergy to insect stings should monitor for signs of a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing or widespread swelling.
The primary concern regarding scorpions in Prescott stems from the potential, though less frequent, encounter with the Arizona Bark Scorpion. This species delivers a neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system, potentially causing much more severe symptoms. In adults, a bark scorpion sting can cause intense pain that may radiate away from the site, along with numbness and tingling that can last for 24 to 72 hours.
For small children, infants, and pets, the neurotoxin from a bark scorpion sting poses a greater danger due to their lower body mass. Symptoms in these vulnerable groups can include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, rapid eye movement, and frothing at the mouth. If a small child or infant is stung, immediate medical attention is necessary, and the regional poison control center should be contacted. Basic first aid for any scorpion sting involves cleaning the wound with soap and water and applying a cool compress to help manage localized pain and swelling.
Practical Steps for Prevention and Control
Effective scorpion control begins with modifying the outdoor habitat around a home to make it less appealing. Scorpions seek shelter during the day, so homeowners should remove debris such as loose rocks, old lumber, and construction materials from the yard. Trimming back vegetation, especially shrubs and trees, so it does not touch the exterior walls of the house removes an easy climbing path. Firewood should be stored elevated off the ground and placed a good distance away from any residential structure.
Exclusion techniques are the most important line of defense against scorpions entering a building. Because the Arizona Bark Scorpion can squeeze through a gap as small as one-sixteenth of an inch, sealing entry points is essential.
Exclusion Techniques
- All cracks and crevices in the foundation and exterior walls must be sealed.
- Weather stripping should be installed around all doors and windows.
- Door sweeps should be checked to ensure a tight seal at the threshold.
- Screens on vents and chimney caps should also be inspected for damage.
Scorpions are nocturnal, making nighttime searching with a black light a highly effective method for control. Ultraviolet light causes the scorpion’s exoskeleton to fluoresce, making them glow a bright bluish-green. When a scorpion is located, it can be safely removed using long tongs or a similar tool to place it into a sealed container. In cases of a recurring infestation, professional pest control services can help manage the population by reducing their food source and applying residual products to entry points.