Bark scorpion can cause death

As humans living in the desert, we often find ourselves sharing our homes with native creepy crawlers like scorpions. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, there are thirty different species of scorpions throughout Arizona. Only one of those, the Bark Scorpion, which can be found in Yuma, produces potentially life-threatening symptoms.
 
"Most healthy adults can manage scorpion stings at home on their own with basic first aid," said Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center Managing Director Jude McMally. "The Bark Scorpion is only one and a half inches long and has more slender pinchers and tail segments then other scorpions. Their colorings are not consistent and can range from a brown color to almost transparent. Most are described as straw-colored."
 
McMally said the Bark Scorpion can be found just about anywhere.
 
"Bark Scorpions live closer to the surface than other scorpions and can be found hiding in wood piles or debris on the ground. They are active hunters who come out at night to find insects. They are able to climb up walls and ceilings, and if they find a crack or crevice, can come inside of houses."
 
McMally said Bark Scorpions are not very good at sticking to the ceiling as they are climbing and can fall into anything.
 
"Most of the 2,500 stings we consult each year are from Bark Scorpions, and usually occur in people's homes. Because they are active at night, many stings are to a person's feet when they walk through their homes without the lights on. However, stings can be anywhere on a person's body."
 
McMally said when you find a scorpion in your house, kill it.
 
"When you are trying to kill it, use something heavy because they have an exoskeleton. A fly swatter or rolled up newspaper may not be effective. Also, pesticides may not kill them immediately when sprayed directly on them because the exoskeleton delays absorption. Crushing is best."
 
McMally said when people are stung they need to call the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately.
 
"If the person is a healthy adult without high blood pressure or heart disease, we'll tell them to clean the sting area with soap and water and to apply a cool compress like an ice pack for ten minutes on and ten off. We also recommend they keep the affected area at about heart level.
 
"Most importantly, if they are having full body symptoms like visual changes, shortness of breath, or muscle twitching, they need to be seen in an emergency room immediately. Very few actually die from scorpion stings. Death is extremely uncommon. We have had only one scorpion sting death in the last six years. Ninety-five percent of all healthy adults can survive without attention."
 
McMally said kids are more susceptible to the toxin and must seek treatment as soon as possible.
 
"Kids will have a lot more severe symptoms like roving eye syndrome, hyper secretions in the lungs, and movement disorders, which means they start thrashing around uncontrollably. It can affect their heart rate and blood pressure."
 
McMally said it does not take long to recover from a scorpion sting.
 
"Usually, the pain goes away within 24 hours, but there will be a persistent numbness or tingling sensation that often lasts several days."