Pest Of The Week: The Arizona Bark Scorpion

Taken at noon, at around 104 degrees. This fellow was a temporary occupant of my garage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Arizona Bark scorpion, is a small light brown scorpion; commonly found in the southwest United States. This scorpion pest is predominately found in the Sonoran Desert, however less toxic species have been discovered; throughout the Southern US. A nocturnal pest, the Bark scorpion prefers to ambush its prey; which often consists of crickets and/or roaches.

Considered the most venomous scorpion in North America, the number of Bark scorpion sting victims in Arizona; is estimated to be in the thousands each year. With that being said, fatalities in the United States are rare (only 2 recorded fatalities have occurred in the state of Arizona since 1968), and limited to small animals/pets, young children; and adults with compromised immune systems.

The venom from a Bark scorpion bite can inflict severe pain, coupled with numbness and tingling; typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours. Temporary dysfunction in the sting area is common and may cause victims to become immobilized, experience convulsions and/or shortness of breath. Due to the extreme pain caused by the sting, many victims describe the sensation of electrical shocks; after receiving a sting.

Bark scorpions, like most other scorpions, are incredibly resilient; and require a focused pest control strategy. In fact, lab experiments have frozen scorpions for weeks; and after being thawed, the scorpions emerged unharmed. Furthermore, during U.S. nuclear testing, scorpions (along with cockroaches and lizards) were found near ground zero; with no recorded adverse effects.

Remember, for scorpion control in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Austin, or San Antonio, contact Bulwark Exterminating!

Links Round-Up

$1 Million Hospital Bill After A Brown Recluse Spider Bite

Here is an unfortunate story about a law student who was bitten by a poisonous Brown Recluse and almost lost her legs. Despite saving her legs, the Michigan woman was burdened with $1 Million in medical bills. More…

Steering Clear of Hornets

Hornets are just fine if they’re outside, pollinating flowers eating other insects. But there are times when hornets just come too close to home. In fact, some hornets are comfortable making a nest around or even in your home, and this is something that cannot be tolerated. More… 

Bed Bug Detection: 3 Bugs That Could Be Mistaken For Bed Bugs

The Eastern bat bug, dust mites, and spiders are all commonly mistaken for bed bugs. To better understand these three pests that are commonly mistaken for bed bugs, click here.

Is Your Birdfeeder Causing a Rodent Problem?

It’s no secret that rodents are attracted to birdfeeders, but it’s not for the reasons you think. To learn more about this issue, and tips from eliminating rodents from your property, click here.

A Stinky Beast — The Odorous House Ant

For everything you want to know about this stinky pest, including treatment methods, click here.

Related articles

• Scorpion Truck Redefines Scorpion Control Service
• Pets & Bed Bugs: Q&A
• Arizona hospital cuts scorpion antivenom price by 80% – Arizona Republic

Anthony Ball

The Associated Press recently reported about an Arizona woman who was charged more than $83,000 by her local hospital for receiving the scorpion anti-venom Anascorp.

Marcie Edmonds was billed by Chandler Regional Medical Center for multiple doses of anti-venom priced at $40,000 per dose. Edmonds’ insurance ended up covering over $57,000 of the bill, but the hospital is still expecting her to cover the remaining $25,000 of the cost.

Back in November of 2011, Arizona hospitals were reportedly charging more than $12,000 per vile of Anascorp. A patient’s total bill was reaching beyond $50,000 because they were being given five or six doses at the time of treatment.

Is It Necessary?

Contrary to popular belief, nearly all scorpion stings in Arizona are not fatal. While the bark scorpion is considered the most toxic, and thereby the “most deadly”, cases of fatality are few and far between.  Scorpions stings will surely cause an immense amount of pain, but the lingering affects vary from person to person. Most victims simply feel numbness and pain in the area for a few days. Temporary paralysis can be a  more severe outcome, but it is less common. Cases of severe reaction and even death are typically a result of an allergic reaction to the toxins in the scorpion’s venom and a lack of medical attention. If one has no known allergies to bites or stings, from a bee for example, then the likelihood of severe reaction to a scorpion sting is greatly limited. Adults will handle scorpion venom introduced into their system much better than children, as a larger and heavier body is more capable of metabolizing through the venom at a faster rate.

Results have shown that a sufficient dosage of Anascorp can lower the pain and recovery time to under four hours. But is that worth spending several thousands of dollars to spark your body to do what it will most likely do on its own?

At What Cost?

Bulwark Exterminating primarily offers two service plans – every month and every other month. A one year every month plan will cost a total of $623. An every other month plan will cost $440. If a customer happens to live in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Antonio or Austin, they can also request Bulwark’s revolutionary Scorpion Truck service, which applies a max dosage of product to the exterior of the house. The Scorpion Truck is included as part of a customer’s initial treatment appointment. As an added service Bulwark also offers a “Scorpion Seal”, an application of Teflon tape to all entry points of the exterior and interior of the home. This service runs at an average of $1,500 for an average sized house, but is a service we seldom perform. Customers typically stick with one of the two service plans and see beyond satisfactory results.

A customer with a no nonsense, take no chances and/or prisoners attitude who goes with an every month plan, plus the seal, would play $1,123 in the first year of service. Based off 2011 Anascorp prices, that is a savings 91% of the cost of only one vile of anti-venom. Based off the 2012 prices of Anascorp experienced by our friend in Chandler, a $1,123 deluxe package is nearly a 99% savings over a treatment of Anasorp. Curse that inflation!

These numbers purely reflect the price difference between a dose of Anascorp and one’s potential hospital bill. Not calculated are additional expenditures such as gas consumption to and from the nearest hospital with a ready supply of Anascorp, time lost from work if a loved-one or relative must clock out in order to assist the victim with travel to seek treatment, possible food bills if one must eat out while the victim is receiving treatment. Maybe even a stop at Cold Stone Creamery on the way home, because that is definitely part of the recovery process.

The price of pest control vs. $83,000 of hospital bills

news (Photo credit: JSF539)

Fruit fly sex lives impact effectiveness of pest control strategies

Scientists in Australia have been hard at work watching fruit flies mate to figure out how fly sex is affecting your food. During this process they are discovering more effective pest control strategies. For a great read, check out:

http://nittygrittyscience.com/2012/09/06/fruit-fly-sex-lives-impact-effectiveness-of-pest-control-strategies/

Mosquitoes Plague the Northwest as West Nile Cases Increase

Recent rains, warm weather, and high humidity have made mosquito control in the Northwest challenging. The number of foreclosed properties in the area, with their sometimes un-kept swimming pools and scattered backyard debris that’s collecting water, is making mosquito control more difficult.

http://blog.pestcontrolceus.com/mosquitoes-plague-canyon-hills-neighborhood-as-west-nile-cases-increase/

New Kind of Ant Discovered in New York City

We can now add one more type of ant to the 13,000 plus known breeds in the world. A new type of ant was discovered by a biologist earlier this week near 63^rd and Broadway in New York City.

http://www.longislandpestcontrolblog.com/2012/09/06/new-type-of-new-york-ant/

Scorpion Sting Leaves Arizona Woman With Massive $83,000 Bill

Our friends at Pest Control Mesa AZ bring us this unfortunate story coming out of Phoenix. Imagine being in your garage, opening a box of air conditioner filters, when you are suddenly stung by a scorpion—and that’s not even the worst part! Read all about it at:

http://pestcontrolmesaaz.com/scorpion-sting-leaves-arizona-woman-with-massive-83000-bill/

Top 10 Considerations when Hiring Pest Control Companies

Here are ten criteria our customers are taking into consideration when they are looking to hire a pest control professional. As a pest control operator, look to align yourself with most of these demands to be successful in the industry.

http://xtremeartandentertaiment.blogspot.com/2012/09/top-10-considerations-for-pest-control.html

The Basics of Dust Mites

For all the ins and outs about dust might behavior, including: where they like to hide, how they get into your home, and the health concerns they can cause, check out:

http://www.richterslawncare.com/detroit-pest/the-basics-of-dust-mites/

Did you know that there are scorpions in the State of Washington?

Well this information came as a real surprise when Matt McGee, editor of Search Engine Land, found one in his home! The Northern Scorpion rarely invades homes and is actually a very rare find, but yes, Washington has scorpions.

Northern Scorpion found in Washington

Matt’s Email:

Last night, we were shocked to find a small scorpion inside our house. It was no more than 1.5 or maybe 2 inches. Might’ve been a baby. It was sitting in the glass portion of a picture frame that was at the bottom of a small pile of frames.

We didn’t even think scorpions live up here, but sure enough:

http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washington/animals/arachnids/northern-scorpion.aspx

We killed it and we’re having pest control come next week, but they’re not even sure they have chemicals to keep scorpions away. They were as shocked as us to hear about a scorpion in this area.

My questions:

* Are these things fast? Do they jump? I know nothing about them.

* Can they kill you?

* Do they bite or sting? Do they use the tail or the claws? Both?

* What do we do if we see another one?

* What if someone gets bit/stung? Do we go to the hospital?

Any help appreciated.

-Matt McGee

Are these scorpions fast? Do they jump? I know nothing about them.

They can be very fast. They don’t jump. They are pretty good climbers. In fact you can see one make it about 10 feet in a mere second or two here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29vayDJ49RQ

But really you need not fear a scorpion chasing after you. They don’t hunt humans.

Can scorpions kill you?

Yes, scorpions can cause death, but it’s very rare. In your particular case, the Northern Scorpion does not have the appearance of a highly toxic species. I don’t imagine that this species sting would do much more damage than a bee sting. However, people have different allergic reactions.

Do scorpions bite or sting? Do they use the tail or the claws? Both?

They don’t bite people. They can pinch but not likely. Watch out for the stinger. They will sting. I am not familiar with how aggressive the Northern Scorpion is but I can assure you that their stinger works. They most likely won’t sting you unless you aggravate it. ..or unless you are Mat S. in which case it might just walk up and poke your foot for no apparent reason.

What if someone gets bit/stung? Do we go to the hospital?

No need to go to the hospital for most stings. Some stings cause severe allergic reactions. If foaming at the mouth, uncontrollable eye movement, or seizures occur then go to the hospital. There isn’t much you can do to treat a scorpion sting. For sting treatment you can ice the area of the sting. You can take pain medication such as Aspirin or Tylenol. If sever reactions do occur you will want to keep the victim calm. Elevated heart rates will only cause the toxins to spread faster.

Can an exterminator get rid of scorpions? How do I get rid of scorpions?

Yes you can kill them and control them. Scorpions are very difficult to control because of their grooming habits and they walk on their toes. Cy-Kick is the best low risk product available. It’s less toxic than table salt to mammals. And grab glue traps and place them by entrance ways. http://www.pestprojoe.com/home.php?cat=285&rootcat=Scorpions

What do we do if we see another one?

Catch it!
Option 1- Paint Stick with tape. Take a paint stir stick, wrap the end with tape leaving sticky side facing out. Make the sticky portion 2 to 3 inches wide. Then you stick it on the scorpion. Pick it up. Put it in a plastic container. Make it now so that you have it ready. http://www.azcentral.com/video/#/Scorpion+hunting+in+Mesa/1680903532001

Option 2: Use a glass jar. Put it over the top of the scorpion. Then slide a piece of paper under the jar. Then flip it over. The scorpion won’t be able to climb out.

Then you are going to mail it to me. I will gladly pay the shipping. =)

…Or you can squash it with a shoe.

I will take them dead or alive.

Black Lighting Scorpions

Oh my gosh! Black light ‘em! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME??????????

Never in a million years would I actively seek them out. I prefer to pretend they don’t exist. That’s how I got to sleep last night.

Sheesh.

Actually it’s a good idea. It will help you know if you even have a need to be worried. And I suspect that for the Northern Scorpion you won’t have to be worried at all. If you blacklight and don’t find any in your yard then you will sleep better. I don’t think your species infests homes, and don’t think they are common at all… also evidenced by the fact that your local pest control guys didn’t even know if they had products that worked for scorpions. Honestly, you may want to just buy the cy-kick and spray yourselves. At least email me what products they are going to use and I can tell you if it will help.

What black light should I buy to go scorpion hunting?

Do you have a recommendation for a UV flashlight? There are a ton on Amazon and elsewhere and I don’t quite know what I’m looking for. Was checking out these two:

http://www.amazon.com/LEDwholesalers-Ultraviolet-LED-flashlight-7202UV395/

http://www.amazon.com/UV-Blacklight-Flashlight-Ultra-Light/dp/B004S6JFWQ/

I’m interested in getting one for the amusement factor now as much as the scorpion hunting. Don’t expect to find many/any critters, but like the idea of having a flashlight around just in case.

I did find a plug-in UV light strip at Walmart today and used it in a couple rooms tonight. No scorpions, but DAMN is it fun to light up rooms with UV light!!!

Funny that Walmart actually took on that idea. I thought of buying the domain “Scorpion Nightlights” and selling them a few years back, but after discovering that UV lights are bad for your eyes I opted not to do that. So I would advise not having UV lights for night lights. UV can damage your eyes. A little exposure isn’t going to hurt you, but prolonged exposure, night after night, could cause some real eye problems.

As for the Blacklight Flashlights, I’d recommend a LED one. The LED blacklights are very bright and work well. You don’t need anything huge or fancy or extra powerful. The glowing scorpions jump out at you when see them. Scorpion hunting is a great nighttime adventure. I’d advise wearing closed toed shoes. A pair of gloves is useful if you plan on handling the scorpions.

Additional Scorpion Questions?

Feel free to ask me your additional scorpion questions. I am happy to help. Thanks.

Scorpion Control Resources:
http://scorpionreport.org
http://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/northern-scorpion/
http://www.bulwarkpestcontrol.com/science-scorpion-control.php

Have you ever wondered how scorpions can survive in the desert? There can’t be much to live on out there. Here is AJ to answer your scorpion question:

What do Scorpions Eat in the Desert?

So yes, scorpions hunt for other bugs to eat. And while the desert is not overflowing with pest populations, there is plenty to survive on, especially when one cricket will hold you over for 6 months or more.

Got another scorpion question?
You can contact Bulwark Exterminating or leave your question/comments below.

Italian automaker Fiat is making a concerted marketing push in the United States.

Just take a look at this year’s Super Bowl commercial.

Among Fiat’s new lineup of 500 series cars is a logo that we wholeheartedly endorse. Did you notice the super model’s…neck? Take another look at the ad if you’d like to get a better look at the….uhh….tattoo.

The scorpion logo can actually been seen in various locations on the vehicle.

FIAT Abarth Steering Wheel

FIAT Abarth Wheel And Logo

Even here…

Abarth's Scorpion Paint Job

While the country of Italy is not known for its plethora of scorpion species, FIAT will probably be the one to put Italian scorpions on the map.

Bulwark Exterminating Earns 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award 

Angie's List Super Service Award 2011

Bulwark Exterminating has been awarded the 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award for the company’s excellent customer service rating in Arizona.

Super Service Award recipients have maintained an “A” grade average in Angie’s rating formula. Only an estimated five percent of companies listed on Angie’s List receive the prestigious award on an annual basis. This will be the 3^rd time that Bulwark has received the award here in the Phoenix area.

“Our technicians and office staff deserve this award 100%”, said Mesa Branch Manager Joe Davey. “They work tirelessly to ensure the needs of our customers are met day in and day out.”

Bulwark Exterminating services over ten thousands customers valley wide from offices in Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix and Peoria. The family owned exterminating company has made a name in Arizona as the pest control provider in the valley that absolutely guarantees to eliminate scorpions with a money back guarantee. In 2010, 97% of Bulwark’s current customers said they would recommend their pest control services to a friend of family member.

“We appreciate that our customers take the time to recognize the hard work of the technicians that service their homes,” said Davey. “Our techs are the face of Bulwark. Receiving the Super Service Award is an honor and it validates the hard work of our entire staff across the valley.”

While the award went to the Mesa pest control branch of Bulwark Exterminating the owners feel that the award is shared by all of the valley locations as customers on Angie’s list don’t often realize which branch services them.

Phoenix Metro Locations include:

About Bulwark Exterminating

Bulwark Exterminating LLC is based in Mesa, AZ and is an industry leader in providing high quality residential pest control service. Bulwark is fully operational in seven states, including eleven major cities. While Bulwark provides pest extermination for common insects such as ants, roaches, crickets and spiders, the company’s differentiating specialty is scorpion control. To do this, Bulwark uses the finest and most effective products in the world to solve common pest problems. Bulwark is privately and family owned, has approximately 250 employees and services over 50,000 customers nationwide, providing pest control in Raleigh, NC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Tulsa, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, St. George, UT, Phoenix and Las Vegas. For more information, visit http://www.BulwarkPestControl.com.

Photo by Bulwark Exterminating

The Arizona bark scorpion is the only species of scorpion in Arizona, that can cause very serious harm to small children (and anyone who is ill or has a compromised immune system), and can truly be considered life threatening. However, thanks to a powerful anti venom scorpion stings are now rarely life threatening.

Aside from their powerful, painful and venomous sting, here are five (5) remarkable facts about the Arizona bark scorpion, you might not have known:

1. The Arizona bark scorpion has 8 jointed legs, that are lightly covered in hair, which helps the scorpion detect subtle vibrations; in the air.
2. Although all other species of scorpions are known to live a solitary lifestyle, with the exception of mating and carrying their young, the Arizona bark scorpion prefers to live in packs and will congregating in large groups; when hibernating for the winter months.
3. Unlike any other species of scorpion, the Arizona bark scorpion can climb walls, and even hang from ceilings and doors.
4. Arizona bark scorpions are preyed upon by birds, especially owls, and bats. As well, these scorpions may fall victim to large centipedes, tarantulas, lizards, shrews, and grasshopper mice.
5. At birth, approximately 25 to 35 baby scorpions, will ride around on their mother’s back; for up to 21 days.

Furthermore, warnings from Phoenix pest control staff and local exterminators, caution residents that the Arizona Bark Scorpion is often discovered in urban areas; rather than the surrounding desert regions. This is likely because they prefer the cooler and moist spots, under pieces of tree bark, beneath rocks and inside buildings and homes. As well, property and home owners should be aware that these scorpions are a very light in color, so they will blend-in well with the various desert elements; found in Phoenix and other cities in Arizona.

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Transcript from Scorpions-Black Light Hunting-Pest Control by Bulwark Exterminating

Scorpion Control Professionals:

Speaker 1: “So, we’re entering the gate right now of the home that sees, oh, I don’t know, maybe 30 scorpions a week, and has contracted with us to first, ascertain the source of the problem, and prescribe a treatment.”

Speaker 2: “We’ve got some over here, too.”

Speaker 1: “Another adult. The last 3 scorpions that are looking at and this one in particular, looks like it should be about three to five years old by the size. Do you want to hold that for a second? See, they’re very fast. If we were to turn some of this over, you’re going to see, from the looks of it, you’re going to see a lot of them. So, let’s keep moving. The more vibrations we make, the less likely that we’re going to see them.”

“So, crickets like to breed and live in between this expansion joint. You see here? There’s a paper joint in there that goes between the sidewalk and the foundation, and it’s there when the concrete expands and contracts due to the change in the temperature, that absorbs that pressure. Well, crickets and other insects eat that, and scorpions and come and eat the crickets and insects.”

“So, right here as you can see in there in you pan in there, um, you can see that guy, and he’s kind of moving away, but he’s deep down in there. That’s where we find a lot of the scorpions.”

“This here is a plastic container that he used to keep pool equipment in. You’re generally not going to find scorpions on or inside the plastic because they have a really hard time climbing the surface. But, you may find something underneath, which I may try to be able to move.”

Speaker 2: “There’s one.”

Speaker 1: “You don’t want to have one of these guys get you. They have a neurotoxin that debilitates your nervous system. Now some people react differently. I have a friend who weighs about two hundred and fifty pounds and he’s allergic. The entire half of his body went numb when one of these stung him after putting his shoe on.”

“As you can see right here, the stinger rolls up. They don’t actually bite you, they sting you. They can bite, but their bite isn’t going to hurt. It’s this…let’s get some light on there. It’s this stinger right here, that you see right there, that really is the problem.”

“He’s coming for you, he likes you. Let me see if I can stop him. Hold down there, boy. As you can see, he’s starting to get real active. He’s trying to get away.”

“I’m not going to hurt him, but see how he holds now? This is striking position. Scorpions are actually almost completely blind. They do almost all their hunting using vibrations on the ground. So, when a cricket comes along, they’ve got little cilia on the underside of the belly, and um, they can tell which direction the vibrations are coming from. They use that to determine which direction they’re going to run and also which direction they’re going to strike.”

“He’s just scared right now; he’s not going to even strike me. I can flick his tail like that, and he’s not, he’s not being aggressive just yet. He’s kind of scared.”

“So, the problem is they live up so close to the house, this guy being an adult, there’s all kinds of weed pulls and gaps, I should have brought my mirror, but they can just go right up underneath the stucco of the home and cause serious problems inside the home once they lay down their babies. So, this is a good example because he’s such a full-grown, good-looking stripe scorpion.”

Speaker 2: “Very healthy.”

Speaker 1: “Yeah. He’s been eating, notice the center there. And so, he’s now going home.”

Need Scorpion control?

Phoenix Scorpion Control by Bulwark Exterminating, 40 N. Central Phoenix, AZ 85004

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Got Scorpions in Your Neighborhood?

Find out if you have scorpions in your neighborhood at ScorpionReport.org

Because what you don’t know can hurt you. And knowledge is power.

-Bulwark Exterminating Scorpion Control