If you spend time out doors you've probably noticed groups of beetles with bright striking colors of deep black and bright red-orange crawling across the ground. Large numbers of the species, 'Lytta magister', pictured here, emerge in mid to late spring and feed on the Brittlebush's succulent leaves and flower petals. The beetle's common name is "master blister beetle," because it can grow up to two inches in length.

Toxicity: The blister beetle is poisonous. Its bright and striking color combinations are related to the fact that they carry toxic Cantharidin that can interfere with the vertebrate nervous system. Grazing animals, e.g., horses, can suffer digestive and urinary tract damage, inner hemorrhages and even death if they ingest too many beetles with their feed.

Blister beetles respond to disturbances by reflex bleeding that oozes from knee-joints and other body parts that causes painful blisters when coming in contact with human skin.  

However, the painful blisters from a blister bug's oozing blood pale when compared to the pain resulting from a bark scorpion's sting.

Arizona's Bark Scorpion: I briefly mentioned this species of scorpion last month because it is one of the most dangerous in America: it is also the most toxic and prominent in Arizona. The bark scorpion's venom can be deadly for those highly sensitive to the sting, particularly the elderly and children. Symptoms of a bark scorpion's sting are as follows: 

• Immediate intense pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Twitching muscles
• Blurry vision

Budding Scorpion Population: We're at the beginning of the season when the scorpion population swells because of our weather, and this situation will continue for several months to come. Scorpions are attracted to everything around and in your home where they can find shelter and food. They're devious, skilled scavengers that can enter through the most minute openings so please don't sit back with a false sense of security.

It Only Happens To The Other Person: We all know this is good old human nature at its best... and it usually boomerangs. Your 'ole bug guy has heard his share of stories from people who were super cautious about scorpions, knew they wouldn't get stung, and were more than chagrined when an ornery scorpion nipped 'em.

Kill Zone: You probably know that this is our patented process that provides maximum protection against scorpions for your family. Simply put, annually we build a protective barrier containing the industry's most effective environmentally safe products around the perimeter of your residence to repel scorpions. Our maintenance service replenishes it monthly because Scottsdale's torrid weather diminishes the barrier's integrity over time.

Protect Your Family From Scorpions: In all modesty, we've experienced overwhelming acceptance of the Kill Zone from our discerning clients because it effectively protects against scorpions exactly as claimed. The Kill Zone is not an 'off the the shelf' spray product that is quickly applied and accordingly, times slots must be reserved in advance by emailing me at bret@sonoranpest.com The cost varies starting at $400 depending on the size of your property and will be provided after I see your residence.