Some facts about scorpions/spiders/snakes in Arizona. (Phoenix, Tucson: crime rates, credit card)

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by nitram

Maybe you love them, but 99.9% of the population does not and you're blowing things out of proportion with your scare tactics.

I cant help the fact that people are scared. Theres no reason to be scared. Scorpions are a fact of life, and HUGELY blown out of proportion. Of the 1,500 species on earth (that have been identified), only 20 are potentially lethal to humans, and the AZ bark scorpion is one of them. If there is anyone on earth who doesnt want to scare people about venomous creatures, its me. I devote many long hours informing people how misunderstood these creatures are. If I can get people to gain some understanding about these critters, then Ive done my job. But if some people think my facts about scorpions are "scare tactics", then youre clearly not reading carefully. If the fact that AZ bark scorpions are potentially lethal bothers people, then I suggest not moving to AZ or NM or parts of TX because thats their home too, more so in AZ.

[twiggy]

Originally Posted by kdog

As far as I'm concerned, your credibility was blown when you started casually mentioning scorpions that don't even exist in the country...

I think you guys are being a little harsh to Steve-o, talk about blowing things out of proportion!
I was scared after just reading the RN's thread! It actually made me feel better when Steve shared his info on other deadlier scorps. Besides, it's not the actual threat that freaks most people out. Its knowing the suckers are in your house, and may be in your bed or towels at any minute. Its emotionally draining living with these little guys. Makes your husbands work overtime!
It's just added stress, like the killer bee's, yard work just isn't the same anymore. Your always looking over your shoulder when you start the old trimmer or lawn mower. Get rock yards people, you don't need the added stress. All the critters in AZ seem to be quite scary, I guess it's a good thing, for them. Steve-o has the right idea, maybe we should all befriend them and get on there good side. I won't even mention the rapid BATS!!!!!! he he he he he he he

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by nitram

Maybe you love them, but 99.9% of the population does not and you're blowing things out of proportion with your scare tactics.

I give up. Isnt recess over at this time of day anyway?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by kdog

As far as I'm concerned, your credibility was blown when you started casually mentioning scorpions that don't even exist in the country...

It was based on RESEARCH (gasp!), thats why I referenced other species not found in the USA. Centruroides exilicauda's LD50 is 1.1, which is pretty potent, but not near the level of Androctonus mauritanicus which rates a 0.13. THATS downright deadly. Point was, even though the AZ bark scorp is rather potent, its not nearly as potent as many Middle Eastern species or far South American species. As for credibility? Moderator cut: personal insults I offer no nonsense, I offer no scare tactics, I offer facts about scorpions, and ONLY that. Believe what you want. If you want facts Ill gladly offer them.

I highly suggest you visit these boards and take the time to learn more about these critters:

VenomList - For All Things Venomous
Atshq.org
Arachnoboards - Powered by vBulletin
www.scolopendomorpha.como (broken link)
The Scorpion Fauna

[mike0421]

I have to spread some Reputation around before giving it to Steve-o again.

Great post nonetheless.

[Steve-o]

Here's a good quick read. Discovery Channel states that bark scorpions (since recorded time) have been responsible for more deaths than rattlesnakes, which I find interesting. I was looking for some links to back that up, but couldnt find any. Never heard that before, but hey! The point is, call your Poison Center if a sting from a bark scorpion is suspected, describe your symptoms (which may take awhile to develop) and they can direct you in the right direction. If a child is stung, take proper precautions and act quickly, theyre more affected by the neurotoxic venom than a healthy adult is. Same goes for the elderly or sick....

Surviving the scorpion sting (http://www.exn.ca/html/templates/printstory.cfm?ID=2000062757 - broken link)

[Boatdrinks]

Originally Posted by DML1651

It was my hope to dispel a lot of the myths regarding same... dunno how effective I've been.

One other thing... the Poison Control Center will be happy to mail anyone a very informative brochure, with lots of pictures, regarding the biters and stingers here in AZ. Just call them at (602) 253-3334 and it will be sent to you in the next days mail, completely free of charge.

I'm very glad you posted. I've had many "discussions" with steve-o on this board about his scorpian comments and the fact that he doesn't even live here - just visits - yet spends quite a bit of time telling people how common it is to see scorpians. While I'm the first one to admit that they're here, most people living average suburban lives rarely, if ever, encounter them. Again - I'm knocking loudly on wood

Additionally, I'm very happy to read info from someone who doesn't call people names, including "bonehead" for making a mistake or for not being an expert on something. Frankly, it's hard to respect someone's knowledge of a subject when they mock people and you've been refreshingly respectful with your scorpian comments. At any rate, I hope you'll continue to post here.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by Boatdrinks

I'm very glad you posted. I've had many "discussions" with steve-o on this board about his scorpian comments and the fact that he doesn't even live here - just visits - yet spends quite a bit of time telling people how common it is to see scorpians. While I'm the first one to admit that they're here, most people living average suburban lives rarely, if ever, encounter them. Again - I'm knocking loudly on wood

Additionally, I'm very happy to read info from someone who doesn't call people names, including "bonehead" for making a mistake or for not being an expert on something. Frankly, it's hard to respect someone's knowledge of a subject when they mock people and you've been refreshingly respectful with your scorpian comments. At any rate, I hope you'll continue to post here.

Thank you, Boatdrinks . . . BEAUTIFULLY STATED!

[Marka]

I have removed a few personal attacks from this thread. Please, continue the debate without insulting each other or this thread will be closed and more infractions issued. Thank you.

[Ozark Nana]

As someone that resides in the desert I have to agree with some of the above posters....I have rarely seen a scorpian but I know they are out there! I was pretty scared of anything that moved when I first moved here but learned quickly that they don't come after you. They pretty much just want to be left alone in the dark!

You cannot go through your day, week, life being afraid of every single thing that crawls or slithers in Arizona or you'll go mad! Learn the basics, look before you stick your hand or foot somewhere, shake out your shoes before you put them on etc. Being cautious and vigilant is better then being afraid.

I have had scorpians crawl over my feet or my hands and they never attacked me. I had my parts where they didn't belong while hiking ...I COULD of gotten stung, but didn't freak out over the incident and they (and I) went our merry ways. As I've said before, I'm real good when I SEE them coming, it's the ones that I didn't see coming that make my heart skip a beat now and then!!

O.Nana