How bad are the insects in Phoenix? (Sierra Vista: houses, work)

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by jlzpo1

Thanks for the link-

I know why it's confusing- both look scary with too many legs and antennae....typically we don't keep them alive long enough to look at the details (they're either flushed down the toilet or smushed by a foot)- but you're absolutely right- there is a big difference.

Well, glad you now know the difference. House centipedes, as bizarre/scary as they look, are nice to have around. They wont bother you at all, but rather bother and kill other bugs they come in contact with, including silverfish and cockroaches.

[Synergy38]

Steve-O, can you do me a solid? Find a Bark scorpion and get stung by it.. I'm curious what it's effects are.

Take one for the team!

Man, this sounds extreme... Killing a Bark Scorpion in your house Daily?? jeez i'd move to another house..

Amazon.com: Bark Scorpion Stings, Beyond Pain - bark scorpion Discussion Forum

[RAZZEL]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Well, not sure why people would call a house centipede a silverfish...

Here is a silverfish (they like damp places):
http://www.micropest.com/photos/silverfish.jpg

And you already know what a house centipede looks like, so I wont post a pic. If I remember correctly the house centipedes belong to the Scutigeramorpha genus, but I could be wrong.

As for seeing house 'pedes in AZ, I think the chances are pretty slim, seeing how dry the climate is, and the fact that most homes in AZ dont have dark and damp basements where house 'pedes are most commonly seen.

Here is a wonderful website I recommend checking out: www.bugguide.net.

Scorpions... there is only one scorpion in AZ you need to watch out for, thats the AZ bark scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda). The rest are harmless, although they can pack a punch with their stings, but theyre not considered medically significant.

Your wealth of knowledge is greatly appreciated!!!!!
I thank-you!!!!!

What is the difference between the scorpions in Phoenix versus the scorpions located in Northern AZ (Chino Valley,Prescott,Prescott Valley) ???

Many thanks

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Synergy38

Steve-O, can you do me a solid? Find a Bark scorpion and get stung by it.. I'm curious what it's effects are.

Take one for the team!

Man, this sounds extreme... Killing a Bark Scorpion in your house Daily?? jeez i'd move to another house..

Amazon.com: Bark Scorpion Stings, Beyond Pain - bark scorpion Discussion Forum

I dont know whether youre being mean or trying to be funny, so Ill pretend its the latter...

Effects from a bark scorpion sting are very painful for a healthy adult, and life-threatening for the elderly, infants, and those with already weakened immune systems. A healthy adult can expect pain at the sting site for awhile, sometimes up to days/weeks/months (yes, its happened). Those who have a bad reaction to the venom will experience irregular heartbeats (tachycardia), pallor, profuse sweating, uncontrollable tongue and eye movements, muscular twitches, etc. If not treated, anaphylaxis can/will occur.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by RAZZEL

Your wealth of knowledge is greatly appreciated!!!!!
I thank-you!!!!!

What is the difference between the scorpions in Phoenix versus the scorpions located in Northern AZ (Chino Valley,Prescott,Prescott Valley) ???

Many thanks

No difference other than bark scorpions (the potent species) are far less numerous up north than they are down south. There are many species of scorpions in northern Arizona, most are completely harmless (think bee sting).

[once-upon-chicago]

Been here since '81 and I can tell you that there are insects - black widows, ants, the Brown Recluse, to name a few. And scorpions, too. Not to mention the bees. And they aren't just out of the city, either, or in the run-down areas of town. You can ask anyone who has ever been bitten/stung by one. In the nuisance category almost every one I know has had a problem with little sugar ants. They don't bite but they get into everything.

[MotleyCrew]

We moved in in 05 and have counted 5 scorpions (dead) and I believe one live one on the block wall. One big, ugly spider and a few ants. Thats it. We do get pest service every three months.

[blueeyz911]

For most people insects are not a problem. However, there are some of us that live in areas where scorpions and other creepy crawlies are a problem. Scorpions have been a big problem for me and my family in the particular area we live in. I was even stung by one last year (I had to live here for 28 years before getting stung... not too bad).

I do recommend having a professional exterminator spray real good inside and out at least twice a year and chances are you will be fine. Fortunately, Arizona is not as "buggy" as the humid states but we do have our share of creepy crawlies, some of which are poisonous and/or venemous like the black widow spider and the Arizona bark scorpion. You just have to be aware of your surroundings out here. Don't put your hand in a dark area where a spider may be and shake your shoes before putting them on. I have lived in Arizona for almost 29 years- scorpions and all, I do not plan on leaving anytime soon.

[Synergy38]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

I dont know whether youre being mean or trying to be funny, so Ill pretend its the latter...

Effects from a bark scorpion sting are very painful for a healthy adult, and life-threatening for the elderly, infants, and those with already weakened immune systems. A healthy adult can expect pain at the sting site for awhile, sometimes up to days/weeks/months (yes, its happened). Those who have a bad reaction to the venom will experience irregular heartbeats (tachycardia), pallor, profuse sweating, uncontrollable tongue and eye movements, muscular twitches, etc. If not treated, anaphylaxis can/will occur.

I was definetely just pulling your leg

Those symptoms sound awful by the way.. Amazing those little buggers pack such a large punch.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Synergy38

I was definetely just pulling your leg

Those symptoms sound awful by the way.. Amazing those little buggers pack such a large punch.

Gotcha, thanks. I know there are many on the AZ boards who dont like me and I didnt know if you were one of them or not. And yes, it is amazing what they can do, considering their size. But there are similar sized scorpions in north Africa and the Middle East that are waaaaay more potent than the AZ bark scorpion. In fact, the AZ bark scorpion has direct relatives in Mexico that are responsible for hundreds of deaths annually. Alot of that pertains to bad medical care and lack of AV, but it just goes to show how potent their venom can be and how damaging it can be if left unchecked.