Bark Scorpions

What do bark scorpions look like?

Bark scorpions are small, flat, eight-legged arachnids with forward pincers and curled tails ending in a stinger. They typically measure about 2 to 3 inches long. Their bodies range from pale yellow to tan, allowing them to blend into desert environments. A key visual trait that distinguishes bark scorpions from other scorpions is their tendency to bend their tails to the side instead of arching them over the body.

Are bark scorpions the same as other types of scorpions?

If you’re new to the area and unfamiliar with scorpions, you might assume bark scorpions get their name from making noise—like a howler monkey. But you won’t hear these tiny scorpions barking as you pass by. They're called bark scorpions because they often hide beneath tree bark. This behavior sets them apart from most other scorpions, which typically stay close to the ground and hide under rocks or other low cover. Bark scorpions are skilled climbers.

Can bark scorpions climb walls?

Yes. These arachnids climb walls just as easily as they climb trees, making them harder to keep out of structures.

What do bark scorpions eat?

Bark scorpions are predators. They hunt prey, seize them with their pincers, and paralyze them with potent venom delivered through their stingers. They will eat any insect, bug, or small animal they can overpower.

Are bark scorpions dangerous?

Yes—but not nearly as dangerous as rumors suggest. The last recorded death from an Arizona bark scorpion sting in the U.S. occurred in 2013. Arizona bark scorpions possess the most potent venom among bark scorpion species. Fortunately, Dallas/Fort Worth doesn’t have populations of Arizona bark scorpions. Instead, we have striped bark scorpions (Centruroides vittatus). Their sting feels similar to a bee sting. However, in cases of severe envenomation, even striped bark scorpions can pose serious health risks, particularly for children, seniors, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Where do bark scorpions live?

Bark scorpions live on trees, under bark, and beneath organic debris on the ground. When they find entry points indoors, they shelter inside wall voids and other structural cavities.

How do I know if I have a bark scorpion problem?

Bark scorpions are nocturnal and drawn to humid or moist areas. To spot them, use ultraviolet (black) light. Their exoskeletons fluoresce under UV light, causing them to glow.

How do I get rid of bark scorpions?

Effective bark scorpion control requires a multi-faceted approach. When you hire a professional, your treatment plan may include:

• A detailed inspection to identify infestations, entry points, and harborage areas
• A treatment strategy that eliminates and removes scorpions from the structure
• A monitoring plan to ensure treatment success and confirm that scorpions are no longer active

In addition to interior treatments, professionals often provide exterior services to prevent future entry. Exterior treatments may include:

• Installing professional-grade exclusion materials to create physical barriers
• Applying crack-and-crevice treatments to deter entry
• Conducting ongoing surveillance to detect pest activity and target pests appropriately

Contact your Pied Piper service team for expert advice and service options.

Can I prevent a bark scorpion infestation?

Yes. You can take several proactive steps to prevent bark scorpions from entering your home:

• Rake debris away from your home to eliminate hiding places
• Reduce exterior lighting to decrease insect activity
• Trim landscaping and keep grass short
• Remove clutter near your home's foundation
• Water plants in the morning to reduce overnight moisture
• Remove spider webs to limit spiderlings, a food source for scorpions
• Use expanding foam to seal potential entry points
• Apply caulking around windows and doors to close small gaps
• Repair or replace damaged screens
• Install screens over vents
• Replace worn weatherstripping or door sweeps

Once you secure your home’s exterior, inspect the interior. Scorpions don’t chew through building materials; instead, they use existing gaps. For example, a damaged outlet or light fixture may offer access behind walls. Common entry points include pipes beneath sinks, baseboard gaps, and spaces around framing.

For greater protection and peace of mind, contact The Pied Piper to learn about our year-round pest control service plans. Our ongoing exterior pest management effectively keeps bark scorpions and other pests out of your home.