Under the cover of darkness, scorpions are on the prowl for food and for mates.
Ben Holland, founder of Scorpion Sweepers, invited ABC15 along for a nighttime hunt in one of the Valley’s “hot zones.”
"We just found an Arizona bark scorpion here,” said Holland just minutes into the search in Scottsdale.
Holland is a marketing professional by day and scorpion extractor by night.
Armed with heavy duty gloves, an ultra-bright UV light, forceps and a carrier, Holland is on the hunt around a McCormick Ranch home.
"It is mating season, they are looking around for mates. They are going to be very active, they are going to be getting into areas that they don't normally get into,” said Holland.
Arizona bark scorpions were the most common type found on the night ABC15 tagged along.
The homeowners reported an apparent infestation.
Holland’s initial visit yielded 26 scorpions.
The homeowners were proactive, sealed cracks and crevasses and had their property sprayed.
The night of this hunt revealed four fairly large Arizona bark scorpions.
Holland says they are the most venomous scorpion species in the U.S.
Holland says there’s a reason for the increased activity.
“In late May and early June, you will see the mamas with their babies. Then comes monsoon season, about mid-July. Then there is a lot of activity. The desert is more active, there is more pray because they are out there to get the water that's available. So the scorpions are really active," explained Holland.
Holland says valley scorpion hotspots include North Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Gilbert and parts of Mesa and Tempe.
Holland says to cut down on scorpion encounters:
- Clear leaves and debris from your yard and around your home.
- Try to seal cracks in walls and foundations and have an exterminator access your property’s vulnerabilities.
