Many homeowners are terrified of being stung by a bark scorpion, and not just because it’ll be a painful experience. Their life could be on the line.
What’s the truth?
File this one under half-truth. The Arizona Bark Scorpion can, and has, killed human adults, and it poses an even greater threat to children and the elderly. Its venom delivers a powerful neurotoxin that can potentially be fatal. In fact, it’s the only scorpion in the United States with venom potent enough to cause such severe medical distress.
Here’s the thing, though: bark scorpions rarely kill people. ‘Rare’ actually might be an understatement: since 1968, only two people have died in Arizona of a bark scorpion sting. That’s out of the thousands of people who are stung every year.
For comparison, in the past 20 years, more people have been killed by snakes, bees, wasps, and dogs. While the initial sting often feels like a sharp electric shock, most healthy adults only experience localized swelling, tingling, and temporary numbness.
The key is hospitals and antivenom. Most serious cases result in hospitalization, where Phoenix-area hospitals can administer a scorpion antivenom—just as they would for a rattlesnake bite. In other, more rural parts of the world where medical infrastructure is lacking, scorpion stings are far more deadly.
However, “not fatal” doesn’t mean “not serious.” Severe reactions can include blurry vision, slurred speech, and involuntary muscle twitching. Because these pests are small and agile—capable of climbing walls and squeezing through cracks the thickness of a credit card—prevention is the best medicine. Sealing your home and maintaining professional barrier treatments are essential steps to ensure these “half-truth” threats stay outside where they belong.
Scorpion stings are most dangerous for those with an allergic reaction. If your scorpion sting is causing unusual symptoms, call the Poison Control hotline immediately.
