‘Bark scorpions’ invade Indio
An invasive species of scorpion has made its way into the the Coachella Valley.
Bark scorpions are the most venomous scorpion in America. They’re found in Arizona and Mexico and they aren’t native to our desert.
“We suspect they likely came in when someone was traveling, vacationing in a place where the bark scorpions are common and they inadvertently hitchhiked a ride back and got out in Indio,” said Greg White, vector ecologist with the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Over the past few months, about 50 bark scorpions have been found in the Shadow Hills neighborhood in Indio.
The sting from the bark scorpion can be deadly for some people.
“The people more at risk for bark scorpion stings are going to be small children nine-years-old and younger, the elderly, and people with preexisting blood pressure issues,” said White.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCORPIONS
Bark scorpions are know to climb up walls, and like living in dark moist places. They only grow to about three-inches long and can easily get in your home.
“If you have a space under your door or a window you can slide a credit card through a bark scorpion can get through that space,” said White.
Like many scorpions, the bark scorpion’s body glows when exposed to ultra violent light. Making them easy to find at night.
Experts say the best ways to get rid of bark scorpions is to squish them with a big stick or a hammer, or you can call a licensed exterminator.
“Because it takes a while for the bark scorpion to reproduce you can really start to have a big impact on their population,” said White.
Since the amount of venom a scorpion injects varies, poison control centers suggest immediate medical attention only in the event of extreme pain when stung or for a sting involving a vulnerable person or children.
