Meet Some Potentially Dangerous Scorpions in the US

Scorpions are a type of arachnid recognized by their ominous pincers and curved tails that end with a venomous stinger. Most scorpions will only sting a human if they feel threatened and don’t have venom that is life-threatening. However, some scorpions in the US have stings that can cause serious allergic reactions or be fatal in rare cases.

Read on and get to know the most venomous scorpion in the US and other species Americans might find in their home or yard.

The Deadliest Scorpion in the US

The most dangerous scorpion in the US is the Arizona bark scorpion. The Arizona bark scorpion’s sting can cause severe pain, numbness, and, in rare cases, life-threatening reactions. They’re the only scorpion in the US with venom potent enough to be considered deadly to people.

While it is very rare for death to occur from a sting, stings can be fatal to young children, the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and those with severe allergies to the venom. Luckily, Arizona bark scorpions are generally not aggressive and avoid confrontation. They can be identified by their slender body and thin pincers and tail.

Where Do Arizona Bark Scorpions Live?

Arizona bark scorpions can be found throughout the southwest, including Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and southern California. They’re commonly seen in the Grand Canyon.

Where Do Most Scorpions in the US Live?

Most scorpions in the US are in the southwestern states, particularly Arizona, New Mexico, California, and Texas. This region has an arid climate that provides ideal conditions for scorpions. However, while many species prefer desert climates, some, such as the northern scorpion, can be found in wooded parts of the country! Scorpions live in areas that are relatively warm without snow. Scorpions are cold-blooded, and their activity levels heavily decrease in cold weather.

Are All Scorpions Dangerous?

Not all scorpions are seriously dangerous to humans. While all scorpions produce venom, most scorpion venom is only strong enough to kill the insects and small animals they feed on.

You may be wondering how to tell if a scorpion is dangerous. The best way to determine whether a scorpion is highly venomous is by comparing the size of the tail to the pincers. Dangerous scorpions tend to have smaller pincers and a larger, thick tail with more potent venom. Scorpions with smaller pincers rely more heavily on their venom to defend themselves and subdue their prey.

Many scorpion stings mimic a strong bee sting and leave a red mark. If you’re stung by a scorpion, you should seek medical attention even if you don’t believe it was a highly venomous scorpion. While scorpion stings can cause a reaction in anyone due to the toxins in their venom, only a small percentage of people will have a more severe reaction to a sting. Scorpion sting symptoms in more serious instances can include hives, pain at the site of the sting, trouble breathing, and seizures.

Common Scorpions in the US

While the Arizona bark scorpion is considered the only deadly scorpion in the US, there are other scorpions in the US with a notable sting.

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

Also known as the desert hairy scorpion or the Arizona hairy scorpion, the giant desert hairy scorpion is the largest species in the US and can reach up to almost six inches long from head to stinger. In comparison, the average scorpion length is two to three inches. Luckily, its venom is relatively mild, and the species is generally slow-moving and non-aggressive. A sting can cause pain and discomfort, but it is not usually dangerous.

This scorpion burrows underground during the day and, like most scorpions, emerges at night to hunt. Desert hairy scorpions have a yellowish-brown body and dark back covered with fine hairs that give them a “hairy” appearance.

Striped Bark Scorpion

Like its relative, the Arizona bark scorpion, the striped bark scorpion has a painful sting. However, its venom is not life-threatening to humans. Symptoms from a sting include localized swelling, pain, and numbness. It rarely leads to severe systemic reactions unless the person is highly reactive to venom toxins.

Striped bark scorpions are active at night. During the day, they can be found under rocks, wood, and debris. They have also been known to enter homes looking for food or shelter. Their relatively small size, usually just under three inches, makes it easy for them to hide. Striped bark scorpions are yellow and tan and can be identified by the two dark stripes running down their back.

Yellow Ground Scorpion

The yellow ground scorpion’s sting is stronger than other common scorpions and often causes lingering pain and swelling, but not much beyond that. Yellow ground scorpions prefer to stay near the ground and are found hiding under rocks and debris. This scorpion is small, about 1.5-2 inches long with a stout body and short pincers. Yellow ground scorpions are known for their ability to glow in the dark! This helps them attract prey at night.

Northern Scorpion

The northern scorpion is one of the few species in the US found in wooded areas throughout northwestern states, such as Oregon and Wyoming. This scorpion is not known to sting humans and prefers to hide under debris, but when it does, its sting causes tingling and numbness that lasts up to three days. It has a tan body with dark stripes horizontally along its back. The northern scorpion grows almost three inches long and has thin pincers.

California Common Scorpion

California common scorpions seek shelter in crevices, under rocks, and sometimes indoors. They prefer dry, rocky environments. This common scorpion has a sting that resembles a mild bee sting and turns into a large red bump. They’re pale yellow with horizontal dark markings on the back and grow to about two inches long.

How to Manage and Deter Scorpions from Your Property

Scorpions decrease their activity level when it gets cold outside, and prey becomes harder to find. However, instead of riding out the season under a rock or borrowing underground, some seek shelter in homes. Additionally in extreme heat, scorpions will hide in homes and garages to cool down.

If you live in an area where scorpions are common, here are some tips to deter them from your property:

• Seal cracks and crevices: Scorpions can squeeze through very small openings. Seal cracks or gaps in your home's foundation, walls, and doors.
• Remove clutter: Scorpions love to hide in dark, cluttered areas. Remove unnecessary clutter from your property, especially around the perimeter of your home. Even a pile of debris (like wood or leaves) left too long could attract them to your yard.
• Use natural deterrents: Plants such as lavender and eucalyptus can repel scorpions. Plant these around your home or spray a mixture of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil diluted in water around your home’s perimeter.
• Consider professional pest control: Mosquito Squad^® offers a Squad Home Shield pest package that targets areas around your home where pests, including scorpions, may hide or sneak inside. This service kills scorpions and other pests on contact and continues to deter them for up to 21 days.

Related Blog: How to Naturally Repel Scorpions

Don’t Let Dangerous Scorpions Inside

While scorpions are relatively non-aggressive towards people, no one wants to worry about scorpions hiding in their yard and home. Let the pros at Mosquito Squad^® help with your outdoor scorpion control needs and leave you with less to worry about.

Contact your local Squad today at (877) 332-2239 or request a quote online.