Arizona Bark Scorpion Sting: Quick Facts and Effective Treatments

The Arizona bark scorpion is a small nocturnal creature, with a maximum length of about 2.5 inches.

They are known for their tan-colored bodies and slightly darker backs, which glow a bright bluish color under UV light, making them easy to spot at night.

These scorpions are notable for their venomous stings, posing a hazard to human health.

Arizona Bark Scorpion Sting: Some Facts

When stung by an Arizona bark scorpion, the effects can range from minimal to severe.

Some common symptoms include localized pain, numbness, and swelling at the sting site.

In more severe cases, a victim may experience difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, or even seizures.

While scorpion stings are rarely life-threatening, it is crucial to take the proper precautions and seek medical attention if necessary.

In Arizona, calls to poison control centers related to scorpion stings have been recorded over the years.

For instance, between January 2017 and December 2019, the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center in Tucson received 4,398 calls about scorpion stings.

Knowing how to identify and deal with Arizona bark scorpion stings can be essential for residents and visitors to the region.

Arizona Bark Scorpion Overview

Habitat and Distribution

The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is a species found in the desert Southwest of the United States, particularly in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Nevada.

They also inhabit parts of northern Mexico. These scorpions often reside under rocks, logs, tree bark, and other surface objects¹.

Physical Characteristics

Arizona bark scorpions are relatively small arachnids, with a maximum length of about 2.5 inches (6.4cm)².

Their bodies are tan, and their backs are slightly darker in color. An interesting feature of these scorpions is their ability to glow a bright bluish color under UV light³.

Nocturnal Behavior

Being nocturnal creatures, Arizona bark scorpions are generally only seen at night.

Their venomous stings make them a concern for human health, however, fatalities are rare due to effective anti-venom treatments available.

Comparison Table

Sting and Venom

Symptoms of a Sting

An Arizona Bark Scorpion sting can lead to various symptoms, such as:

• Pain and burning sensation
• Numbness and tingling
• Swelling at the sting site
• Twitching muscles
• Difficulty breathing

Additionally, some victims might experience more severe symptoms like vomiting, restlessness, sweating, drooling, and accelerated heart rate¹.

People with allergic reactions to the venom could face more serious issues, including anaphylaxis².

Severity of Venom Effects

While the Arizona Bark Scorpion, scientifically known as Centruroides exilicauda, is the most venomous scorpion in the United States³, its sting is rarely fatal for adults.

However, stings can be more dangerous for children under four years old and individuals with pre-existing health problems⁴.

Upon being stung, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately to minimize potential complications.

The following table compares the Arizona Bark Scorpion sting symptoms with a bee sting, which is often less harmful:

Immediately after a scorpion sting, some first-aid measures can be taken to alleviate discomfort, such as:

• Washing the sting area gently with soap and water
• Applying a cool compress to reduce swelling
• Keeping the affected area elevated to minimize inflammation
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, if necessary

It is essential not to apply ice to the sting area or use a tourniquet as it can worsen the symptoms⁵.

Treatment for the sting may include administering antivenom, also known as antivenin, to neutralize the venom’s effects⁶.

Prevention and Control

Precautionary Measures

• Inspect footwear: Always check your shoes, and even shake them out, before putting them on to ensure no scorpions are hiding inside.
• UV Light: Use a black light to detect scorpions at night, as they glow under this type of light.
• Seal entry points: Regularly inspect and seal openings, cracks, and crevices in your house to prevent scorpions from entering.
• Limit hiding spots: Keep your yard clean by removing debris, excessive lumber, or grass.

Additionally, take precautions when handling objects like rocks, logs, or tree bark, where bark scorpions might reside.

If you suspect a scorpion sting, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention, as they are venomous insects.

Scorpion Control Services

Some companies specialize in scorpion control services. They can help you with:

• Property Inspection: Identifying potential scorpion habitats and problem areas.
• Pest Treatment: Applying treatments to effectively reduce the scorpion population.
• Preventive Measures: Offering guidance on preventing further infestations.

There are also natural predators of scorpions that can be introduced into your property, such as chickens or certain bird species, for added control.

When deciding whether to handle scorpion control yourself or hire a professional service, consider the following:

Arizona Bark Scorpion Predators

Natural Predators

• Spiders: Some spiders, like the grass spider, prey on Arizona bark scorpions.
• Bats: The pallid bat is known to eat bark scorpions as part of its natural diet.

These predators help maintain control over scorpion populations.

Ecosystem Importance

Having natural predators is crucial for keeping the ecosystem balanced.

Here’s a brief comparison of the importance of spiders, and bats in relation to Arizona bark scorpions:

In summary, both spiders and bats play a vital role in controlling the Arizona bark scorpion population and maintaining the balance within their ecosystem.

Medical Treatment

First Aid at Home

• Keep calm to avoid accelerating heart rate and increasing blood pressure
• Clean the sting area with soap and water
• Apply a cold pack to reduce pain and slow venom spread (gel packs are suitable)
• Elevate the limb if the sting is on an arm or leg
• Restrict movement of the affected area
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for relief

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if:

• Symptoms worsen or don’t improve within a few hours
• Victim is a child, elderly person, or has a pre-existing medical condition
• Showing signs of an allergic reaction, like difficulty breathing, swelling of face or tongue, or chest pain
• Experiencing severe symptoms, such as uncontrollable muscle movements, accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, or numbness

In the emergency department, professionals administer antivenom (also called antivenin) when necessary.

It’s important to note that antivenom can cause allergic reactions or anaphylaxis, so its usage is carefully considered.

In some cases, the individual may require hospitalization for monitoring and additional treatment.

Conclusion

In summary, the Arizona bark scorpion has a potent sting that can be especially dangerous for pets and young children.

Recognizing the immediate pain, swelling, and numbness these stings can cause enhances our preparedness.

By promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or muscle twitching, we can tackle these encounters responsibly.

Footnotes

1. (https://www.nps.gov/articles/bark-scorpion.htm) ↩ ↩²
2. (https://agriculture.az.gov/pests-pest-control/household-pests/scorpions) ↩ ↩²
3. (https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/nature/bark-scorpion.htm) ↩ ↩²
4. (https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1768-2018.pdf) ↩ ↩²
5. PDF Scorpions of the Desert Southwest United States – University of Arizona ↩
6. Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center ↩