Scorpions?? (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe: apartments, new house, gangs)

[scottie]

Ok, so Im from Ohio and might be attending ASU and was wondering how normal it is to see scorpions in the Greater Phoenix area in houses/apartments and so on. I have been to AZ a couple times during the summer for a few weeks and have only seen scorpions on golf courses. So are there any scorpions or animals to worry about if I go through with my ASU decision. Thanks alot, all the comments are much appreciated from anyone from the Valley area. Thanks again and God Bless

[silverbear]

Scorpions are generally common under two circumstances: 1) homes on the edge of the desert (for obvious reasons) 2) new construction (because it tends to stir up the ground)

Combine the two, and some scorpions are inevitable if you live in a new house on the edge of the desert. Regular pest control service can usually keep the problem to a minimum. The ASU campus, however, is in Tempe, which has long been built-up. Scorpions, although certainly not unheard of, should be less common there than in more recently developed areas.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by silverbear

Scorpions are generally common under two circumstances: 1) homes on the edge of the desert (for obvious reasons) 2) new construction (because it tends to stir up the ground)

Combine the two, and some scorpions are inevitable if you live in a new house on the edge of the desert. Regular pest control service can usually keep the problem to a minimum. The ASU campus, however, is in Tempe, which has long been built-up. Scorpions, although certainly not unheard of, should be less common there than in more recently developed areas.

Completely agree with this. Thank you for stating what I've tried for a while, but still get people who will argue with me.

[scottie]

Ok, thanks alot, I really appreciate it. Any problem with any other kind of creatures in the Valley area? Thanks alot, I appreciate all the comments

[Steve-o]

Theyre in established areas as well, just not quite as prevalent as in newly developed areas. In fact, my family found more in their house on Shea (central Scottsdale) than they have in their new home in North Scottsdale at the edge of town. Scorpions breed like crazy, particularly the potentially lethal Centruroides exilicauda (AZ bark scorpion), having up to 30 babies at a time.

I wouldnt be so concerned about the scorpions as much as Latrodectus hesperus (western black widow). Theyre VERY common in the valley.

[Ponderosa]

I have never seen (or heard of) a black widow in a house though. They are outside, that's for sure, but you can tell they're about by the egg sacks. And after a while here you know just where to find them or be wary of them. I also never heard of anyone who has been bitten by one, but know lots of folks including me that have been stung by the scorpion.

Actually, I get a laugh out of these threads on bugs by wannabe Zonies. About the last thing anyone who lives here is concerned about in day-to-day life is scorpions, or black widows or rattlesnakes. They are part of the background of desert living at worst. Fear the heat, fear the traffic, fear the lines in the stores, fear the jerks on the freeway, but quit worrying about bugs. The real vermin around here walks on two legs not six or eight or none.

[CodyW]

Yes. Black widows DO exist here. From what I've experienced, when you do manage to find one indoors, it'll usually be in your garage amongst all your boxes and junk. Today, I found one inside. And, I screamed like a little girl.

Aren't I brave?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I have never seen (or heard of) a black widow in a house though. They are outside, that's for sure, but you can tell they're about by the egg sacks. And after a while here you know just where to find them or be wary of them. I also never heard of anyone who has been bitten by one, but know lots of folks including me that have been stung by the scorpion.

Actually, I get a laugh out of these threads on bugs by wannabe Zonies. About the last thing anyone who lives here is concerned about in day-to-day life is scorpions, or black widows or rattlesnakes. They are part of the background of desert living at worst. Fear the heat, fear the traffic, fear the lines in the stores, fear the jerks on the freeway, but quit worrying about bugs. The real vermin around here walks on two legs not six or eight or none.

LOL Yes, youre absolutely correct. Worry more about gangs than critters, theyre the ones more likely to injure you.

But I also see where ALOT of people come from, arachnophobia is a top 5 phobia, usually ranking up there with ophidiophobia (fear of snakes) and public speaking. Many people wont move to places like AZ just because of their arachnophobia. Sad, really.

[sablebaby]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

Fear the heat, fear the traffic, fear the lines in the stores, fear the jerks on the freeway, but quit worrying about bugs. The real vermin around here walks on two legs not six or eight or none.

Agree with it all. But, defintely fear the jerks on the freeway (and every other street for that matter!!!).

[scottie]

Black widows are spiders right?

As for the statement to fear the traffic and people, I already am somewhat familiar with that as I usually spend a couple weeks in the Valley each year