How to Treat Scorpion Stings in Arizona

If this information can keep your home safe and provide peace of mind for your family, then consider this quick study session on scorpion stings a great addition to your knowledge of pests.

In this guide, we’ll cover topics including:

• How do you determine the severity of the scorpion sting?
• How do you treat scorpion stings?
• How long do scorpion stings last?
• Do I need to see a doctor for a scorpion sting?
• How do you identify scorpions?

Determine the Severity of the Scorpion Sting

Depending on the species of Scorpion that inflicted the sting, symptoms can range from slight discomfort to intense pain and muscle spasms. Some stings can be handled with simple methods such as icing the area and taking pain relievers.

With that said, if you or your loved ones are stung and experience more severe symptoms such as hives, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you will need to seek medical assistance from a doctor immediately. It’s also always best to be safe than sorry, so when in doubt, check it out! If you’re even slightly questioning the severity of your bite, call 911 and go see a doctor right away.

How to Treat Scorpion Stings

most venomous Scorpion in all of the United States: the Arizona Bark Scorpion by a doctor near you or call local poison control immediately. 

Otherwise, you can take the following measures to treat scorpion stings:

• Clean the sting with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress to the injured area.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
• Monitor your injury and systemic conditions.
• Do not take sedatives if you have moderate symptoms.

Home remedies will be sufficient to treat mild scorpion stings most of the time. However, anytime someone has been stung qualifies as a high-alert situation requiring persistent monitoring.

How Long Do Scorpion Stings Last?

Scorpion stings typically last less than 24 hours, and their major symptoms should subside gradually. However, there can be numbness, tingling, and shock waves of minor symptoms that persist for 2 to 3 days. 

If any of your symptoms continue longer than 24 hours, you may want to contact a doctor or seek medical attention.

Do I Need To See A Doctor For A Scorpion Sting?

If you begin to experience any of the more severe symptoms mentioned above or anything more than mild discomfort, seek medical assistance immediately. Most scorpion stings won’t require seeing a doctor, though the possibility is always there.

Seeing a doctor can open up the opportunity of using sedatives or antivenom to help treat the effects of the sting. There is also the chance that what you are experiencing could be an allergic reaction, in which case, only a medical professional would be able to diagnose it appropriately.

How to Identify Scorpions

There are three main scorpion species found in Arizona and other western states. 

Common scorpions to watch for in Arizona are:

• Arizona Bark Scorpion

The Arizona Bark Scorpion is long and slender with a tan color. They are typically between 1.5 and 2.5 inches and glow under UV light, making them easy to spot in certain circumstances. 

However, they are still great at hiding in shoes, garages, dark spaces, and any other inviting nooks and crannies.

• Giant Hairy Scorpion

Giant Hairy Scorpions in Arizona are the largest scorpions in the United States – and some of the scariest looking. They are covered in hair with dark markings and can be quite imposing if you come across one.

• Arizona Stripetail Scorpion

The Arizona Stripetail Scorpion is the most common scorpion found in Arizona. These rock-dwelling pests are known to find their way into garages, homes, and swimming pools. The striped scorpion can grow up to 3 inches with yellowish-brown markings and a distinct striped pattern.

While scorpions are typically not aggressive towards humans unless provoked, they often get startled because they hide where we can’t see them, thus provoking them to sting you potentially.

Published On: November 13, 2018
Updated On: February 22, 2022