Spiders are a problem that most homeowners, especially late in the fall and winter, have to deal with. These pests are challenging to get rid of on your own. You might need professional spider eradication help from Killroy Pest Control.
Have spiders invaded your home? Is the infestation out of control? Killroy Spider Control Service can deal with the problem for you.
There are a lot of different types of spiders in the world. While many of them can be harmless, a few are entirely dangerous to us, some even have venomous fangs.
At Killroy, we don’t just want to get rid of the pesky critters for you. We also want to protect your family and other loved ones from getting hurt. We will help you with all types of spiders, including black widows, wolf spiders, and funnel-web spiders.
We only use the finest techniques and the most effective equipment to remove spiders from your premises.
In addition to providing a professional service, we are also here to help with any questions or concerns you might have about spider infestations.
We are a family-owned and operated business that has survived through two generations. We know that the recent economic recession has made it difficult for some people to deal with the costs of pest control services, and that’s why we charge affordable rates.
We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company. For over 60 years, Killroy Pest Control Service has helped protect people and their homes from unwanted spider infestations.
We have an excellent reputation for providing a high-quality service. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of the testimonies from our satisfied clients.
As a California resident, you may have encountered one of these creepy crawlies scurrying across your floor or hiding under a rock in your yard. Scorpions are nocturnal arachnids that inhabit many regions of California, especially in the southern and central parts of the state. While the sight of a scorpion can be alarming, very few species in California pose a threat to humans. By learning to identify the most common scorpions in the state, you can coexist safely with these fascinating creatures.
An Overview of California Scorpion Species
There are around 41 known scorpion species found in California. The majority belong to two groups – the Vaejovidae family and the Vaejovis genus. Scorpions in the Vaejovidae family tend to have slender bodies and tails but thick strong pincers. Many common California species like the Northern scorpion dune scorpion and Arizona stripetail scorpion are part of this family. Vaejovis scorpions are smaller, with thin pincers and thick tails. They include the California common scorpion and yellow ground scorpion.
Only one scorpion species found in California, the Arizona bark scorpion, has venom that is medically significant to humans. The sting causes temporary but intense pain along with numbness, tingling and vomiting that can persist for 72 hours, especially in children. While extremely painful, fatalities from Arizona bark scorpion stings are rare. All other native scorpion species deliver venom that is comparable to a bee sting in potency.
7 Common Scorpions in California
Below are descriptions of 7 of the most frequently encountered scorpions across the state to help you identify any eight-legged visitors that may appear in or around your home.
1. California Common Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Paruroctonus silvestrii
- Size: Adults reach 2.5 inches
- Color: Pale yellow to light brown
- Habitat: Found across California in deserts, grasslands and chaparral. Often near the coast.
- Notes: One of the most widespread scorpion species in the state. Mild venom causes local pain, redness and swelling.
2. Northern Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Paruroctonus boreus
- Size: Adults average 2 inches
- Color: Tan with dark brown stripes on back
- Habitat: Cliff sides, scrublands, pine forests. Found across California.
- Notes: A cold-tolerant species that lives at various elevations. Sting induces temporary numbness like a hornet.
3. Arizona Bark Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Centruroides sculpturatus
- Size: Adults reach 3 inches
- Color: Yellowish tan with darker stripes on abdomen
- Habitat: Common in oak forests, pine forests and scrublands. Also found in homes.
- Notes: Most venomous scorpion in California. Sting causes severe pain, numbness, vomiting. Rarely fatal.
4. Desert Hairy Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Hadrurus arizonensis
- Size: Up to 5.5 inches, the largest in North America
- Color: Yellow with dark brown to black on top
- Habitat: Deserts and scrublands in southern California
- Notes: Painful sting but venom only mildly toxic like a bee sting.
5. Dune Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Smeringurus mesaensis
- Size: Average 2.5 to 3 inches
- Color: Light tan with darker markings
- Habitat: Desert sand dunes and dry lakes
- Notes: Mild sting. Nocturnal hunter that burrows during the day.
6. California Forest Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Uroctonus mordax
- Size: Adults average 2 inches
- Color: Reddish brown
- Habitat: Forests, chaparral, grasslands. Most active April-June.
- Notes: Mild venom. Often found under logs and rocks.
7. Western Slender Scorpion
- Scientific Name: Anuroctonus pococki
- Size: Average 2 inches
- Color: Shiny black
- Habitat: Deserts, scrublands, grasslands, chaparral
- Notes: Bulbous swollen tail segment. Painful sting may cause redness and swelling.
Safety Tips for Avoiding Scorpion Stings
While nearly all scorpions in California have relatively mild venom, their stings can still be quite painful. Here are some tips for coexisting safely with these fascinating arachnids:
- Carefully inspect shoes, clothing and bedding before use and shake them out.
- Use glue traps or insecticide dust in garages, basements and attics to control scorpions.
- Seal cracks and crevices around windows and foundations where scorpions can enter.
- Keep wood piles and debris away from the home to discourage scorpions.
- Use a blacklight at night to locate scorpions – their bodies glow blue-green under UV light.
- Always wear gloves and be cautious moving rocks, logs and debris where scorpions hide.
- Seek medical care immediately if stung by an Arizona bark scorpion.
Scorpions play an important role in controlling pest populations like insects and spiders. While they can give a nasty sting, education and preventive measures allow us to coexist safely with these intriguing desert creatures. Being able to identify the most common species is the first step in scorpion safety and awareness.
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We are glad to answer any questions or schedule an appointment. We provide commercial and residential pest control services in the South San Francisco Bay, Tri-Valley areas, and Santa Cruz County.
Spiders are a problem that most homeowners, especially late in the fall and winter, have to deal with. These pests are challenging to get rid of on your own. You might need professional spider eradication help from Killroy Pest Control.
Have spiders invaded your home? Is the infestation out of control? Killroy Spider Control Service can deal with the problem for you.
There are a lot of different types of spiders in the world. While many of them can be harmless, a few are entirely dangerous to us, some even have venomous fangs.
At Killroy, we don’t just want to get rid of the pesky critters for you. We also want to protect your family and other loved ones from getting hurt. We will help you with all types of spiders, including black widows, wolf spiders, and funnel-web spiders.
We only use the finest techniques and the most effective equipment to remove spiders from your premises.
In addition to providing a professional service, we are also here to help with any questions or concerns you might have about spider infestations.
We are a family-owned and operated business that has survived through two generations. We know that the recent economic recession has made it difficult for some people to deal with the costs of pest control services, and that’s why we charge affordable rates.
We are a fully licensed, bonded, and insured company. For over 60 years, Killroy Pest Control Service has helped protect people and their homes from unwanted spider infestations.
We have an excellent reputation for providing a high-quality service. But don’t just take our word for it. Check out some of the testimonies from our satisfied clients.
All of our technicians are trained to handle any spider infestation.
We Treat Each Customer Individually
We tailor our services specifically to each customer’s request. That’s why we assign a devoted technician for each of our clients whenever possible.
This helps build a strong relationship between our technicians and clients where the technician can familiarize themselves with the client’s property and design a personalized and suitable treatment plan.
Local Scorpions | California Academy of Sciences
FAQ
Are there poisonous scorpions in California?
Bark scorpions, which are the only dangerous species in California, differ from other species with their thin tail, their narrow chelae (or pincers), and the …
Where in California do scorpions live?
… species is almost entirely restricted to California’s iconic redwood forests and oak woodlands, but can be found in at least 30 of California’s 58 counties
Should I be worried if I see a scorpion in my house?
- Stay Calm : Most scorpions are not dangerous, but it’s best to avoid panic.
- Keep Your Distance : Do not attempt to touch or provoke the scorpion.
- Contain the Area : If possible, close doors to the room where the scorpion is located to prevent it from moving to other areas of your home.
- Capture It
- Release It
What is the largest scorpion in California?
The desert hairy scorpion is the largest scorpion in North America. It reaches a length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches). Desert hairy scorpions are found throughout the deserts of Arizona and Southern California (Mojave Desert).