What should I do immediately after a bark scorpion sting?

Stay calm, wash the sting site with soap and water, apply a cool compress, and call Arizona Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Do not apply a tourniquet or try to cut and suck out venom.

How do I know if a bark scorpion sting is serious?

Seek emergency care if the victim is a child under 5, an elderly person, or shows symptoms beyond local pain — including difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, drooling, blurred vision, or inability to swallow.

Is there antivenom for bark scorpion stings in Arizona?

Yes. Anascorp, an FDA-approved antivenom, is available at Arizona hospitals and significantly reduces severe symptoms. It is most commonly administered to young children and severe cases.

How long does pain from a bark scorpion sting last?

Local pain and tingling typically last 24-72 hours. Tapping the sting site often intensifies the sensation — this tap test is used to confirm a scorpion sting. Systemic symptoms usually resolve within 24 hours with treatment.

Can a bark scorpion sting kill you?

Deaths from bark scorpion stings are rare in healthy adults but have occurred in young children and immunocompromised individuals. Arizona averages very few fatalities annually thanks to antivenom availability.

What over-the-counter medications help with scorpion sting pain?

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain. Antihistamines may reduce localized swelling. However, these do not address venom effects — always call Poison Control regardless of symptom severity.

Should I go to the ER for a bark scorpion sting?

Yes, if the victim is a child, elderly, pregnant, or showing any systemic symptoms. Adults with only local pain can often be managed at home with Poison Control guidance, but err on the side of caution.

What to Do If a Bark Scorpion Stings You: Symptoms, First Aid & When to Call 911

Back to Blog

The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the only scorpion in the United States whose sting is considered potentially life-threatening. Its venom is a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, and symptoms can escalate rapidly — especially in children under 6, adults over 65, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes after a sting can make a critical difference in outcomes. The most important first step: call Arizona Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. They are available 24/7 and will guide you through next steps based on the victim's age, weight, and symptoms.

Mild symptoms — which are more common in healthy adults — include immediate, intense burning pain at the sting site, numbness or tingling that may spread up the limb, and localized swelling. These typically resolve within a few hours. Severe symptoms requiring emergency care include difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth, blurred or double vision, uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus), muscle twitching or convulsions, difficulty breathing, and extreme agitation or inconsolable crying in children. Do not apply ice directly to the sting site — it can worsen tissue damage. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom. Keep the victim calm and still to slow venom spread.

Antivenom (Anascorp) is available at most Arizona hospitals and is highly effective when administered promptly. If you are stung and experience any severe symptoms, do not wait — call 911 or drive to the nearest emergency room. After any sting event, contact Pest Control Bros for a thorough property inspection. A sting inside the home means bark scorpions have found a way in, and a professional treatment program is the most reliable way to prevent it from happening again. We serve Maricopa, Chandler, Casa Grande, Tempe, Gilbert, and Mesa with same-week service and no contracts.