Phoenix is just a 90-minute flight from the Denver airport, and many discount airlines fly there, making it an easy and affordable vacation spot for Coloradans. Just a word of warning if you are traveling to the desert: Watch out for the Bark Scorpion.While recently visiting my stepmother and dad in Phoenix, we had a nightmarish encounter with a deadly scorpion. One night, my husband, Darel, 4-yearold son, Ansel, and I settled in for a good nightís sleep in the guest bedroom. The three of us were a little crowded in one bed but we were tired, so we peacefully nodded off. Ninety minutes later, my son started screaming; followed by my husbandís screams and my screams. All of us screaming in pain.We all had been stung by a scorpion ó a Bark Scorpion. As soon as we realized what happened, we ran into the living room. My stepmother and I went back into the bedroom and found the scorpion. It experienced a quick death.While extremely painful for adults, a trip to the hospital is usually not a necessity. The sting starts out like a bee sting but gets worse. It can be treated with ice and ibuprofen. Adults will feel the burn for a day or so.It is a different story for children and the elderly.Ansel was vomiting and experiencing hallucinations. When we arrived at the emergency room, the staff sedated him but it didnít stop the effects of the scorpion bite. Sometimes, it takes an antivenom to counter the effects. My sonís symptoms lasted about six hours, and the staff said we were lucky. They had seen reactions much worse.There is no permanent damage, unless you count that creepy feeling when visualizing scorpions running around the room.My stepmother and dad live in Fountain Hills, a very nice area of Phoenix; and they have their home and yard sprayed every month. So, scorpions can lurk anywhere. Just check your room, sheets and pillows because that creepy feeling lingers for a long time.
