You often hear about scorpions roaming the deserts of Arizona and southern California, but many call Las Vegas home too. Of the 1,500+ known scorpion species in existence, over 70 can be found here in the United States. But no matter the species, scorpions have some characteristics that are shared by all. Their tough exoskeletons and pair of pincers help to protect them from predators in the wild. Additionally, all types of scorpions have segmented bodies and four pairs of legs, including the most commonly found scorpions in Las Vegas, Nevada. We’ll take a deeper look at three such species found in homes and commercial businesses around here.
Shakespeare may have been referring to a fiery, Athenian woman when he said, “Though she be but little, she is fierce,” but the adage just happens to fit the bark scorpion perfectly too. As the most venomous scorpion in North America, the bark scorpion presents a significant threat to the residents of Las Vegas, Nevada.
As a desert state, Nevada is prime habitat for scorpions. These fascinating arthropods have adapted to survive in the harsh, arid climate. Scorpions in Nevada come in many different species, each with their own behaviors and levels of venom toxicity.
In this article, we’ll explore the most common scorpions found in Nevada, where they live and how dangerous they are. We’ll also give tips on how to avoid scorpion stings and what to do if you get stung. Let’s take a closer look at these amazing desert-dwellers!
Scorpions are predatory arachnids that have been around for over 400 million years. There are over 2,500 known scorpion species worldwide. Scorpions have an elongated body and tail, 8 legs 2 pedipalps (pincer-like claws) and a venom-injecting stinger on the tip of the tail.
These nocturnal hunters use their pincers to grab prey like insects, spiders, and lizards. The venom paralyzes and kills the prey. Scorpions use their stinger primarily for defense. They are not aggressive unless threatened.
Scorpions survive in deserts by staying in burrows during the day and emerging at night to hunt. Their exoskeleton prevents water loss, allowing them to thrive in dry environments.
13 Species of Scorpions in Nevada
Nevada’s arid climate supports diverse scorpion species. Here are the most common:
1. Arizona Bark Scorpion
- Light brown, 2.7-3 inches long
- Most venomous scorpion in Nevada and North America
- Painful sting causes numbness, tingling, vomiting, and shortness of breath
- Found under tree bark and rocks
2. Desert Hairy Scorpion
- Yellow with dark back, 5.5 inches long
- Harmless sting, similar to a bee sting
- Largest scorpion species in North America
- Burrows in sandy desert areas
3. Striped Bark Scorpion
- Pale yellow with dark vertical stripes, 2-2.5 inches long
- Very painful sting, not medically significant
- Found in homes, shoes, sleeping bags
4. Northern Scorpion
- Dark stripes, 1.5 inches long
- Cold-tolerant, found at high elevations
- Sting causes redness and swelling
- Hunts insects at night
5. Yellow Ground Scorpion
- Brownish-yellow, 2 inches long
- Slender pincers, enlarged metasomal segments
- Mildly painful sting
- Found in Sonoran Desert
6. Sin City Scorpion
- Yellow-orange with black markings, 2 inches long
- Often enters homes to hunt insects
- Harmless sting causes minor swelling
- Named for being discovered in Las Vegas
7. Black Hairy Scorpion
- Black body, yellow legs, 5 inches long
- Aggressive, painful but mild sting
- Digs burrows in sandy deserts
8. Emperor Scorpion
- Bulky black body, 8 inches long
- Harmless sting, venom not potent
- One of largest scorpion species
9. Wind Scorpion
- Tan, 1-3 inches long
- Also called sun scorpion or camel spider
- Hunts actively instead of waiting in burrows
- Painful sting, not dangerous
10. Dune Scorpion
- Milky yellow, 2.8 inches long
- Burrows and hunts on sandy dunes
- Harmless sting
Where to Find Scorpions in Nevada
Nevada’s arid climate and diverse landscapes like mountains, valleys, and deserts provide the perfect habitat for scorpions. Here’s where you’re most likely to encounter them:
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Under rocks, wood piles, tree bark, and other debris that provides shelter and shade.
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In burrows dug into sandy desert areas.
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Inside homes that offer protection from heat and access to prey like insects. They can squeeze through tiny cracks.
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Among bushes, trees, and overgrown vegetation touching walls of homes.
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Active March-October when weather is warm. Less active in winter but can be found year-round.
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More common in southern Nevada like the Las Vegas area. The north is drier.
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Use a UV light at night to spot them easily since their exoskeletons glow.
Are Scorpion Stings Dangerous?
The toxicity of scorpion venom varies by species. Here’s a quick guide:
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Arizona bark scorpion: Very dangerous, can be fatal. Seek immediate medical treatment.
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All other species: Not medically significant. Cause pain, swelling, numbness lasting 24-72 hrs. Use first aid to treat at home.
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Children and elderly most at risk for severe reactions. Seek medical care to be safe.
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Anaphylaxis is possible but rare. Monitor for trouble breathing, hives, swelling.
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Pet stings can be more serious due to smaller body size.
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Scorpions only sting as a last defense when threatened. Not aggressive.
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Most stings are from accidental contact like stepping on them barefoot.
Preventing Scorpions in Your Home
Keep scorpions from invading your home with these tips:
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Seal cracks in home’s foundation and openings around windows and doors.
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Clear clutter and debris from yard and trim overgrown vegetation. Eliminate hiding spots.
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Organize home and keep it clean. Crumbs and clutter attract insects which then attract scorpions.
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Check areas like attics, basements, and garages for gaps or moisture scorpions could exploit.
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Remove piles of materials stored near home exterior.
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Use essential oils like cinnamon, peppermint, and cedar to deter scorpions.
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Install weather stripping around doors. Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
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Keep screens in good repair.
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Control insects both indoors and outdoors to limit food sources.
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Install exterior lighting to discourage scorpions who avoid light.
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Consider professional pest control if infestation is severe.
What To Do If Stung
Follow these steps if stung by a scorpion:
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Wash sting site with soap and water. This helps reduce venom spread.
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Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.
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Take over-the-counter pain medicine.
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Monitor for allergic reaction symptoms like trouble breathing.
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Limit movement of stung limb to slow venom.
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Capture scorpion safely for identification if possible.
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Seek medical care based on scorpion species and reaction severity.
The Takeaway
While startling, scorpion encounters in Nevada are generally not dangerous with proper prevention and first aid. Understanding their behavior and habitat preferences allows you to coexist safely. With some diligence, you can scorpion-proof your home. Always seek medical care if concerned about a sting reaction. With awareness and caution, scorpions don’t have to ruin your Nevada adventure!
How to identify a bark scorpion
The bark scorpion is a tan or yellowish pest averaging three inches in length. Its small body is made up of two parts, the abdomen (which includes the stinging tail) and the cephalothorax, a fusion of the head and thorax. The bark scorpion has eight legs in addition to its pair of pincers. Generally, bark scorpions hold their tails curled to the side, unlike other types of scorpions that hold them above the body. Learn more bark scorpion facts here.
Where are bark scorpions found?
Because bark scorpions can climb, they can be found in many various places, or at least at various levels. They prefer cool, moist environments, so they are often found hiding under rocks or burrowed beneath tree bark. Sometimes these habitats do not provide enough shelter from the warm temperatures of Las Vegas, and the scorpions are driven to the air-conditioned indoors.
With their marked climbing abilities, they have no trouble scaling vertical walls to make their way in. Once they get inside homes and businesses, bark scorpions often navigate toward dark closets or near sinks and bathtubs. Dark, damp basements and equipment storage areas may also provide an ideal environment for the pests.
Are There SCORPIONS in Las Vegas Nevada? | Living in Las Vegas Nevada | Las Vegas NV Real Estate
FAQ
Are scorpions in Nevada poisonous?
Bark scorpions are the most common type of scorpions in Las Vegas and unfortunately, they are also the most venomous in North America. Our team regularly encounters them on residential calls, especially in homes that border natural desert landscapes—their preferred habitat.
Where do scorpions live in Nevada?
They prefer cool, moist environments, so they are often found hiding under rocks or burrowed beneath tree bark. Sometimes these habitats do not provide enough shelter from the warm temperatures of Las Vegas, and the scorpions are driven to the air-conditioned indoors.
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 time of year do scorpions come out in Las Vegas?
When it comes to scorpions in Las Vegas, the spring and summer months are when these fascinating creatures truly come alive. As temperatures rise and the desert landscape blooms with life, scorpions begin to emerge from their hideouts to roam freely.