The Arizona barking scorpion can and has killed human adults, and it has, and poses an even greater threat to children and the elderly. Its venom releases a powerful neurotoxin that can be deadly. In fact, it is the only scorpion in the United States that can kill. Most scorpion stings aren't lethal to humans, but it's always best to act cautiously.
If you are stung by a scorpion, immediately wash the area around the sting with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and ease some pain. If your limb has been stung, raise it to the level of your heart and do everything you can to keep it still. A medical professional can immobilize the limb that was stung to prevent the poison from spreading throughout the body.
Naturally, it is these rural Mexican populations that are most at risk of succumbing to the stings of barking scorpions. While it is true that the Arizona bark scorpion has a potentially deadly poison, there are several other scorpion species that produce more potent forms of venom than this American species. Often, scorpion venom is produced and stored inside the tail segments, so they need to be removed, as they can cause the same stinging effects when eaten. When you find yourself in nature or in a place where you think scorpions may be lurking, you should be very careful, as with any other insect or ant that will sting when disturbed.
Considering these two factors, some countries that contain dangerous scorpion species, but also quality medical care, may have a relatively high number of medically significant cases of scorpion stings, but very few, if any, deaths from stings. It is often used in Mexico to treat bark scorpion bites, one of the few species that can be deadly to humans. Unlike other species of arachnids, such as spiders, mites and ticks, all scorpion species are venomous and all are capable of causing bites to humans that, at a minimum, cause a degree of pain similar to that of a bee sting. Although most scorpions in the United States are not deadly, the sting of any scorpion should be treated as an emergency.
While it is extremely difficult to keep all scorpions out of a house, there are treatments available to reduce their numbers by spraying potential points of entry. Considering the large and dense population of potentially deadly crustal scorpions in the Southwest, the United States could be considered one of these countries. The good news about Arizona scorpions is that, while they are venomous enough to harm humans, they are rarely deadly. The stings of a Texas scorpion also have a milder effect on the human nervous system, as they only cause mild to moderate reactions.
Of the more than 70 species of scorpions in the United States, the Arizona-barked scorpion is the only one that can be considered deadly to both humans and pets. Scorpion babies are carried by their mother on their back until approximately three weeks after birth, at which point they venture out alone. When threatened, many adult scorpions strike quickly with their tails, equivalent to an initial injection of warning poison.
