New Mexico is home to scorpions, a natural part of the state’s desert ecosystems. These arachnids are commonly encountered in both residential and rural areas.
Common Scorpion Species
New Mexico is home to approximately 25 scorpion species, but only one is medically significant: the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus). This species is slender, about 1 to 1.5 inches long, with a light tan or yellowish-brown color. It has small pincers and a tail that often curls to the side. Its venom is neurotoxic and can cause severe symptoms, particularly in children and the elderly.
Symptoms in children may include uncontrollable crying, increased salivation, and rapid eye movements. Adults might experience localized pain, burning, numbness, tingling, muscle twitching, respiratory issues, or slurred speech. Fatalities from Arizona bark scorpion stings are rare in the United States.
Other common species include the Giant Hairy Scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) and the Striped-Tailed Scorpion. These larger scorpions have less potent venom, causing mild local pain similar to a bee sting. All scorpions fluoresce, or glow, under ultraviolet (black) light, aiding detection at night.
Where Scorpions Live
Scorpions thrive in New Mexico’s arid and semi-arid climates, seeking shelter in natural and man-made environments. Outdoors, they reside under rocks, logs, debris, in crevices, and under tree bark. They are nocturnal, hiding during the day and hunting at night.
Scorpions may enter homes seeking refuge from extreme temperatures or in search of food and moisture. Indoors, they are found in dark, undisturbed places like closets, basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. They are also discovered in sinks, bathtubs, boxes, folded clothing, and under furniture. Scorpions can squeeze through small openings, including gaps around doors, windows, and utility pipes.
Safety Measures
Preventing scorpion encounters involves outdoor and indoor strategies. Outdoors, remove potential hiding spots like rocks, logs, woodpiles, and debris from around the home’s perimeter. Trimming vegetation and keeping firewood at least 30 feet from the house reduces harborage areas. Addressing moisture issues, like leaky outdoor faucets, and reducing outdoor lighting that attracts insects deters scorpions.
Indoors, seal cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and foundations to block entry. Regularly shaking out shoes, clothing, and bedding before use prevents accidental stings. If a scorpion sting occurs, wash the area with soap and water and apply a cool compress or ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Keep the stung limb elevated and still to slow venom spread.
Medical attention is necessary if the victim is a child, elderly, or develops severe symptoms. These include widespread numbness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, thick tongue, excessive salivation, slurred speech, muscle twitching, seizures, or irregular eye movements. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical services immediately. If possible, capture the scorpion for identification to assist medical professionals, as an antivenom for the Arizona bark scorpion is available.