ST. GEORGE, Utah - Summer storms in southern Utah have flushed out water drainage systems, but they’ve also flushed out scorpions.
Western Pest Control owner Wade Beatty said they always get a lot of calls about scorpions following a summer storm. It happens because the water floods their dens, and sends the desert creature looking for dry ground, but it’s also because the floods flush out the food.
“Every monsoon there’s lot of moisture pushing the bugs out,” Beatty said. “And scorpions are usually following. Plus, it’s a high time for all pests.”
There are nine different types of scorpions in Utah, with only two present in southern Utah. Beatty said there’s only one to worry about, though, the Arizona Bark Scorpion, which is the most venomous.
“It’s not native here,” Beatty said. “It probably came up with construction materials. They’re native to living inside the bark of palm trees.”
Beatty said the most popular places for scorpions to hang out are in cracks along fences and on homes. They’re looking for a cool, dry spot to hang out in during the day, and come out at night to get food.
“When you shine these fluorescent lights on the scorpions, they illumines,” Beatty said. “And it’s a lot easier to pick them up and gather them around the house.”
Homeowners should be careful when dealing with them. The best way to keep them out is to close up those cracks around windows and use pest control to get rid of the food.
But in case of an infestation, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
“They’re out there looking for pests,” Beatty said. “Unfortunately they have a terrible sting, and if you do get stung, you need to seek medical attention, it could be very dangerous.”
More information about Bark Scorpions can be found on the National Park Service’s website: http://www.nps.gov/grca/naturescience/bark-scorpion.htm
