All about giant whip scorpions

If you have never heard of the giant whip scorpion, its name may sound rather terrifying. You may become even more afraid if you see one outside your home or business. But should you be afraid? And will this arachnid come inside your home or business? Find out the details here.

As an Arizona resident, you may encounter a giant whip scorpion at some point. Even though "scorpion" is in their name, whip scorpions are technically not scorpions. The tail does bear a resemblance to a whip, though. Outside of Arizona, giant whip scorpions also reside in New Mexico, Texas, and Florida. They may come across as fearsome, and we know you certainly want to avoid any scares. Are you becoming worried about the presence of this creature around your property? Western Exterminator can help you get rid of the issue.

We are experts in getting rid of Arizona pests such as scorpions and spiders, in locations like Phoenix and Tucson, and we know how to keep them away for good. When you get in touch with us, we will provide the right solution to eliminate giant whip scorpions if control is necessary. Call us at 800-937-8398 or contact us online to discuss how we can help.

Giant whip scorpion, a.k.a. vinegaroon

The whip scorpion can also be known as a vinegaroon, due to the vinegary smell that comes from the material they spray at predators. Giant whip scorpions can be almost two inches in length, so it’s understandable that you might find them frightening, especially if it's your first sighting.

Giant whip scorpions are dark brown and have eight eyes. Two eyes are positioned at the front of the head and the sides of their head house the other six. But despite the number of eyes they have, giant whip scorpions have pretty terrible vision. They walk using three pairs of legs but the other two legs help them sense their environment.

The giant whip scorpion is, in fact, the sole whip scorpion in the United States.

They typically stay in burrows when it’s daytime and can create burrows with their claws. The burrows may house the arachnids for a short or long period of time. They hunt at night and use appendages known as pedipalps to capture prey.

Giant whip scorpions feed on insects such as cockroaches and termites, which may actually be beneficial if you’re dealing with these pests (which can be harmful to your property). Still, the presence of arachnids around a structure can be unpleasant and bothersome.

Do giant whip scorpions sting?

With such a fear-inducing name, you’re probably wondering whether giant whip scorpions pose a serious threat. Actually, they do not carry venom and lack a stinger, unlike bees and wasps. It’s possible the spray could irritate you if you bother the critter, but you should not be too concerned.

Where are giant whip scorpions found?

Giant whip scorpions do not venture inside, so you probably will not see them inside your Arizona home or business like you may see other pests, such as ants or cockroaches. Still, they may be located under plants and areas containing holes or soft soil on your property.

To prevent giant whip scorpions from taking up residence around the outside of a structure, it’s a good idea to use landscaping stones rather than mulch around your property.

Giant whip scorpion life cycle

Giant whip scorpions mate during the fall, and it usually happens in the night. The female yields a single egg sac during her life. When the immature arachnids hatch, they are colored white. They get on the back of the female, where they stay for roughly a month. They depart from the burrow after molting once.

Giant whip scorpions actually wait a year between their molts and typically molt in the summertime. They molt four times.

How to get rid of giant whip scorpions

If you see giant whip scorpions around your home or business and become concerned, reach out to a pest control professional. An expert with the proper training can help eliminate the issue.

Western Exterminator can help you get rid of giant whip scorpions in Arizona. We are well-acquainted with pests in the Grand Canyon State and cover areas like Mesa, Chandler and Gilbert. We understand that issues with arachnids can be aggravating and frightening, and we will ensure any problems are eliminated. Plus, our well-trained specialists are reliable and treat your property with respect.

Are you spotting giant whip scorpions on your premises and aren’t sure what to do? Contact the experts at Western today!