Arizona and Scorpion Management

As a pest management professional, I get a lot of questions about scorpions in Arizona. Scorpions can be scary for many people because they can cause quite a bit of pain, muscle twitching and even foaming at the mouth. Death is even possible in rare circumstances here in the Western United States.

Because scorpions can be so intimidating it is best to understand the best ways to keep them out of your home. I will quote the Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at The University of Arizona on their suggestions on what to do about Scorpions.

"High numbers of scorpions can become a problem under some circumstances. If a reduced population is desirable several steps can be taken.

Scorpions are difficult to control with insecticides alone. Therefore, the first control strategy is to modify the area surrounding a house or structure:

1. Remove all harborages such as: trash, logs, boards, stones, bricks and other objects from around the building.
2. Keep grass closely mowed near the home.
3. Prune bushes and overhanging tree branches away from the structure. Tree branches can provide a path to the roof for scorpions.
4. Minimize low growing ground cover vegetation.
5. Store garbage containers in a frame that allows them to rest above ground level.
6. Never bring firewood inside the building unless it is placed directly on the fire.
7. Install weather-stripping around loose fitting doors and windows.
8. Plug weep holes in brick veneer with steel wool, pieces of nylon scouring pad or small squares of screen wire.
9. Caulk around roof eaves, pipes and any other cracks into the building.
10. Keep window screens in good repair. Make sure they fit tightly in the window frame.
11. By managing the scorpion food source, you will manage the scorpion population."

At Eastern Arizona Exterminating, we are happy to help you manage your scorpion problems by assisting you in implementing strategies to keep them out of your home and hopefully off your property. Visit our website at http://www.easternarizonaexterminating.com/, email us at eaepest@gmail.com or call us at 480-209-6266.