Warmer temps across Arizona bring out scorpions earlier than usual
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — People aren’t the only ones enjoying the Valley’s great weather; it’s also brought out a common pest: scorpions.
“I’ve been here 14 years and this is the earliest we’ve ever had a scorpion called,” said Michael Boyle with Burns Pest Elimination.
If you’re not a fan of the arachnids he said you can blame the warm temps. Boyle says the scorpions are in a state of confusion and tend to come out in the spring and summer.
Scorpions can’t survive in the cold so in the winter they burrow underground and go dormant in a process called diapause, similar to hibernation.
The recent warmer weather in the afternoons gets them moving and hunting. Then the sun sets and because the Valley still has the cool nights they seek out anywhere that’s warm and that is typically a nearby home.
“They’ll come into our homes because they’re chasing a food source and that’s kind of what they’re doing now. One, they want to be warm again, and two, all the crickets and the beetles and all the things they hunt and eat they’re coming into our homes,” said Boyle.
The best defense to keep scorpions out of your house is your doors. Boyle said it’s important to check the bottom of your doors because scorpions can squeeze through tiny gaps as thin as a credit card. If you have gaps you’ll want to get them covered.
You can use UV lights to locate the scorpions in the dark. If you do find one, do not pick it up with your hands.
“Use BBQ tongs. I can tell you from experience a scorpion sting, while not lethal, is very painful,” said Boyle.
If you get stung, the Red Cross recommends you wash the area with soap and water and don’t ice the sting. If you are allergic call 911.
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