Scorpions in Santa Rosa, California: What You Need to Know

Yes, Scorpions Live in Santa Rosa

The California Bark Scorpion (Centruroides exilicauda) is common throughout Sonoma County, including Santa Rosa.

🦂 Species Profile

• Size: 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm).
• Color: Tan to light brown.
• Venom: Neurotoxic but not life-threatening to healthy adults. Pain = bee sting × 3–5. Numbness, tingling 24–72 hrs.
• High Risk: Young children, elderly, immunocompromised, pets – seek ER if stung.
• Behavior: Nocturnal, hides in cracks, woodpiles, walls, shoes, beds. Climbs well.

🏠 Where They're Found in Santa Rosa

• Yard: rocks, mulch, firewood, palm fronds, irrigation boxes.
• Home: garage, laundry room, bathroom, bedroom (via vents, pipes, gaps).
• Parks: Howarth, Spring Lake, Annadel – under bark, logs.

🛡️ Prevention

• Seal cracks (caulk, weatherstrip, copper mesh).
• Remove debris, woodpiles, leaf litter near foundation.
• Yellow "bug lights" – less attractive to prey insects.
• Shake shoes, towels, bedding before use.
• Glue traps along baseboards (monitoring).

🩹 If Stung

1. Wash with soap/water.
2. Ice pack (10 on/10 off).
3. Pain: acetaminophen/ibuprofen.
4. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US national).
5. ER if: difficulty breathing, swallowing, muscle twitching, severe pain, child/elderly.

🐜 Professional Control

Quarterly perimeter treatment (pyrethroids, dusts) by licensed pest control (Clark, Terminix, local). Do not spray indoors yourself – drives them deeper.