Scorpions are part of life in Tucson, and so are the stories people tell about them. Some of those beliefs lead homeowners to underestimate a small scorpion, overreact to a large one or spend money on fixes that don’t work. Technicians at Swift Pest hear the same misconceptions on service calls across the city. Below are five of the most common scorpion myths, what university researchers and extension specialists actually say, and five local pest control companies that treat scorpions.
What scorpion myths do Tucson homeowners believe?
1. Are bigger scorpions more dangerous?
No. In Arizona the opposite is closer to true. The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus), the species whose sting is medically significant, is one of the smaller scorpions in the state, about 0.25 to 3 inches long according to University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. The giant hairy scorpion grows to around 4.5 inches, and its sting is generally compared to a bee sting. A small, slender, tan scorpion deserves more caution than a large, chunky one.
2. Can scorpions climb walls?
Bark scorpions can, and they are the only Arizona scorpion that climbs walls and ceilings, according to a University of Arizona researcher. That is why they turn up on bedroom walls and drop from ceilings. They struggle on smooth surfaces, which is why one that falls into a bathtub or sink often can’t climb back out.
3. Is a scorpion sting usually deadly?
No. Deaths from scorpion stings in the United States are extremely rare. A bark scorpion sting can still cause severe pain, numbness and, in some cases, symptoms that need emergency treatment, especially in young children and older adults. An FDA-approved antivenom has been available since 2011. If someone is stung, contact the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center or seek medical care, and don’t wait to see whether symptoms get worse.
4. Will a new door sweep keep scorpions out?
It helps, but it isn’t enough on its own. University of California pest management guidance notes bark scorpions can enter through a crack about 1/16 of an inch wide. They also get in through weep holes, the small drainage gaps at the base of stucco and brick, and through gaps around pipes, vents and wiring. Keeping them out takes sealing many small openings, not just the obvious ones.
5. Does one spray treatment get rid of scorpions?
Rarely. Scorpions spend the day hidden in walls, rocks and debris, out of reach of a single surface spray. Lasting control usually combines treatment with exclusion, which means sealing entry points, plus removing their hiding spots and cutting back the crickets and other insects they eat. Ongoing perimeter service matters too, since new scorpions keep arriving from the surrounding desert.
Which Tucson pest control companies treat for scorpions?
These Tucson-area companies offer scorpion and general pest control:
- Swift Pest Solutions
- Tucson Pest Control
- Budget Pest Control Inc.
- HomeTeam Pest Defense
- Eco Pest, LLC
1. Swift Pest Solutions
Swift Pest Solutions is a family-run Tucson company owned by Jeff Miller, Pest Control Technician, and licensed in Arizona under license number 9815. It serves Tucson, Marana, Vail and Catalina. Rather than relying on a single spray, its scorpion service pairs exterior perimeter treatments with sealing of entry points and nighttime inspections that locate where scorpions are sheltering. Technicians explain what they find so homeowners know which fixes are worth making. If pests return between scheduled visits, Swift comes back at no extra cost.
2. Tucson Pest Control
Tucson Pest Control is a pest control company with an office on West Grant Road in Tucson.
3. Budget Pest Control Inc.
Budget Pest Control Inc. is a pest control company on North Craycroft Road in Tucson.
4. HomeTeam Pest Defense
HomeTeam Pest Defense is a pest control company with an office on the east side of Tucson.
5. Eco Pest, LLC
Eco Pest, LLC is a pest control company in northwest Tucson.
What should Tucson homeowners remember about scorpions?
The small, pale scorpion on your wall is the one to take seriously, and it can climb to places a larger scorpion can’t. Stings are rarely life-threatening but still call for a quick call to poison control, especially for children and older adults. Keeping scorpions out depends on sealing small gaps and removing shelter, not on a new door sweep or a single spray. If you’re still finding scorpions after taking those steps, schedule a professional inspection to find out where they’re coming from.
