Scorpoins in Gilbert/Goodyear (Phoenix: new home, neighborhoods, buy)

[Readyforachange]

I know this topic has been covered a lot so I apologize in advance. I did a search but couldn't find the answer to my specific question. My wife and I are considering a move to AZ and have narrowed it down to Gilbert or Goodyear. The only thing we care about at this point is scorpions. We simply can't deal them (I know....I know.... we're from the Midwest.)

Can anyone tell me a specific neighborhood or section of town in either city that you know for sure doesn't have a problem with them? I know this may be tough to answer. We really want new construction, but I've read that new homes/developments have a higher probability of scorpion issues. How about a neighborhood that is maybe 3-5 years old? Still get the "new" home feeling but less chance of scorpions? Any advice is appreciated.

[sablebaby]

I know neighborhoods that are 30+ years old who have them bad. I don't think age matters. Most will say that it's AZ and they could be/are anywhere. I have lived in many neighborhoods and never saw them. Can't help you with Gilbert or Goodyear.

If you come out to look at homes, maybe walk around the neighborhood and ask all the neighbors if they have them. That's the only way to know.

[Readyforachange]

Originally Posted by sablebaby

I know neighborhoods that are 30+ years old who have them bad. I don't think age matters. Most will say that it's AZ and they could be/are anywhere. I have lived in many neighborhoods and never saw them. Can't help you with Gilbert or Goodyear.

If you come out to look at homes, maybe walk around the neighborhood and ask all the neighbors if they have them. That's the only way to know.

Yes, I definitely plan to do that. I'll be there two weekends from now. If anyone is reading this....I'll be knocking at your door. Sorry!

[Steve-o]

Get over your fears and move. Theres nothing to be afraid of unless you have an infant or have a weakened immune system. Most scorpion stings are no worse than a bee sting and there is anti-venin available at AZ hospitals for bark scorpion stings.

[Readyforachange]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Get over your fears and move. Theres nothing to be afraid of unless you have an infant or have a weakened immune system. Most scorpion stings are no worse than a bee sting and there is anti-venin available at AZ hospitals for bark scorpion stings.

Said the man from Chicago....

And we will be having an infant within a year or two.

Anyway it's not the sting, it's the sight. I'm really not worried about the effects of being stung. I just know that with my luck, I'll buy the house that has a problem. So I'm trying to do my research and cut down my chances.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Readyforachange

Said the man from Chicago....

And we will be having an infant within a year or two.

Anyway it's not the sting, it's the sight. I'm really not worried about the effects of being stung. I just know that with my luck, I'll buy the house that has a problem. So I'm trying to do my research and cut down my chances.

Im glad you know me so well. I might be from Chicago but am more versed in the Sonoran Desert fauna than most natives.

I keep scorpions/tarantulas/centipedes/tailless whipscorpions/etc and study them extensively. Scorpions are nothing to be afraid of as a healthy adult. But if you plan on having a baby soon, you need to take precautions. Check shoes, cribs, bedsheets, bathtowels, etc. The most dangerous scorpion in Arizona is Centruroides exilicauda. Their stings can be lethal to an infant. If youre that freaked out about scorpions, then simply dont move. Chances are pretty good that youll see some. Some people dont see any, others see several a day, it all depends.

You need to remember that scorpions want nothing to do with you. Youre in THEIR territory, so you cant get upset or confused as to why they get into peoples' homes. Most scorpion stings are no worse than a bee's, minus the bark scorpion's sting.

Crap happens....


The harmless AZ dune scorpion (Smeringurus mesaensis):


The big and menacing looking (but harmless) Hadrurus arizonensis (AZ desert hairy scorpion):


AZ desert hairy scorpion in defensive posture:


The ever-scary tarantulas (Aphonopelma spp). oooohhhh



Click on pic to play
The rapid stings a scorpion can deliver:


Click on pic to play
Just shows how non-confrontational scorpions really are:


Wanna find scorpions? Flip on a blacklight at night! Here is my AZ desert hairy scorpion under blacklight:


Some of my collection...

[Beena]

I lived in Mcdowell Mountain Ranch, north scottsdale for 2 years and saw probably one scorpion a month in my house. Yes that equates to a lot of scorpions. I then moved about 2 miles away to another north scottsdale subdivision and haven't seen a single one in over a year. I think it has a lot to do with where your house is located and if there is a lot of open desert nearby you may have a problem.

[Readyforachange]

Can anyone answer my specific question about Gilbert or Goodyear? I've read the forums a lot. I know all about scorpions and the precautions. Can anyone that lives in one of those cities tell me their experiences please?

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Readyforachange

I know this topic has been covered a lot so I apologize in advance. I did a search but couldn't find the answer to my specific question. My wife and I are considering a move to AZ and have narrowed it down to Gilbert or Goodyear. The only thing we care about at this point is scorpions. We simply can't deal them (I know....I know.... we're from the Midwest.)

Can anyone tell me a specific neighborhood or section of town in either city that you know for sure doesn't have a problem with them? I know this may be tough to answer. We really want new construction, but I've read that new homes/developments have a higher probability of scorpion issues. How about a neighborhood that is maybe 3-5 years old? Still get the "new" home feeling but less chance of scorpions? Any advice is appreciated.

There is NO PLACE in Phoenix area where they are no scorpions. Unless you can overcome this silly phobia and accept the infintesimally miniscule risk scorpions present, you should cancel your plans to move here. No matter what you do, you can never guarantee you won't find one walking across your patio or your ceiling at some point.

[Readyforachange]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

There is NO PLACE in Phoenix area where they are no scorpions. Unless you can overcome this silly phobia and accept the infintesimally miniscule risk scorpions present, you should cancel your plans to move here. No matter what you do, you can never guarantee you won't find one walking across your patio or your ceiling at some point.

Oh I know it's going to happen. I just wanted to know of specific areas within those two cities where there hasn't been much of a problem. I'm sure some areas of those towns have more issues than others. That's what I'm looking for.