In Arizona, sharing your space with scorpions isn’t just a possibility; it’s a reality many homeowners face.
Whether you live in Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, or Tucson, scorpions are a part of the desert ecosystem. But if you’re spotting them too often or finding them inside your home, something on your property may be attracting them.
Understanding what attracts scorpions in Arizona can help you make changes that keep your home safer and more comfortable for your family, while also making it less appealing to these venomous arachnids.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona bark scorpions are drawn to moisture, prey, and shelter.
- Common entry points, such as cracks and gaps around doors, allow them inside.
- Landscapes with wood piles and cluttered vegetation offer hiding spots.
- Eliminating insect food sources helps reduce scorpion activity.
Why Do Arizona Homes Attract Scorpions?
Arizona’s hot, dry climate makes it an ideal environment for scorpions, particularly the Arizona bark scorpion, the most venomous scorpion species in North America. While they’re resilient creatures, they still need shelter, water, and food. If your property meets those criteria, scorpions may view it as a suitable place to settle.
Homes with plenty of insects, primarily crickets, cockroaches, and even termites, are a prime target. These are among the primary food sources for scorpions.
Outdoor lighting that attracts bugs can also create an all-you-can-eat buffet, attracting scorpions that keep coming back. If you’ve noticed a rise in insect populations around your home, chances are you’ll see an increase in scorpion activity too.
Moisture and Shelter: The Perfect Combo
Although scorpions thrive in dry conditions, they still seek out moisture when temperatures rise. Leaky outdoor faucets, irrigation systems, or areas of standing water can attract scorpions looking for relief from the heat. Shady corners of your yard, damp basements, and crawl spaces also offer cool hiding spots during the day.
Shelter is just as important as water. Scorpions hide in wood piles, dense landscaping, storage boxes, and wall voids. In urban areas like Gilbert and Scottsdale, even tidy homes can unintentionally provide hiding places. Overgrown bushes touching the house, stacked firewood, or cluttered garages provide scorpions an easy place to hide.
Entry Points That Let Scorpions In
It doesn’t take much for a scorpion to get inside. Their flat bodies and flexible pincers allow them to squeeze through the smallest of spaces. Unsealed entry points, such as gaps under doors, torn screens, or cracks in the foundation, are all easy access routes.
Weather stripping that’s worn or missing can be an open door, especially in older homes. Small crevices around plumbing lines or attic vents are also common entry points for scorpions. Using caulk to seal cracks and replacing damaged door sweeps are essential steps in scorpion control. Even a narrow gap between your garage floor and door can be enough.
How the Arizona Bark Scorpion Makes It Worse
Among the many species of scorpions found in the desert, the Arizona bark scorpion poses the biggest threat. Not only is it venomous, but it’s also more likely to find its way indoors compared to other types. Its ability to climb walls and even hang from ceilings makes it a unique and unsettling pest.
Stings from this species can be painful, and in some cases, require medical attention, especially for children, pets, or individuals with a sensitivity to the venom. A sting isn’t always life-threatening, but it’s never something you want to deal with. Spotting one in your home could signal a larger scorpion infestation, and should never be ignored.
Are You Accidentally Attracting Scorpions?
It’s easy to overlook how the layout of your yard or the condition of your home might be inviting pests. Insect activity near doors, standing water from poor drainage, and overgrown landscaping can all attract scorpions.
Outdoor lighting that draws insects close to windows is another subtle attractant. If you live in a neighborhood with block fences, scorpions may nest in cracks between the blocks. These warm, undisturbed areas make perfect hiding spots during the day.
Firewood stored directly on the ground, mulch placed against the home, or trees that overhang the roof can act as highways for scorpions. Once inside, they often stay hidden in shoes, laundry piles, or dark corners.
Tips for Getting Rid of Scorpions
If you’ve seen more than one scorpion inside, it’s time to take action. Start by sealing every visible crack using caulk or foam. Install fresh weather stripping under doors, and inspect areas around faucets, pipes, and attic access points.
Reduce humidity and eliminate water sources. Repair leaks, redirect sprinklers away from the house, and clear gutters. Controlling moisture discourages both scorpions and the bugs they prey on.
Eliminating food sources is one of the most effective strategies for controlling pests. A reliable pest control service can treat your property for insects like crickets, roaches, and termites, all of which attract scorpions. In many cases, professional pest control is the only way to break the cycle and create a truly scorpion-free home.
DIY Methods vs. Professional Pest Control
Some homeowners try DIY methods, such as using sticky traps or a black light, to spot scorpions at night. These can be useful for monitoring activity, but they don’t prevent a scorpion infestation from returning.
For long-term results, especially in areas like Chandler or Mesa where scorpion activity is high, you’ll need a professional pest control company with experience managing desert pests. Green Home Pest Control offers solutions specifically designed for homes in Arizona.
Our treatments target the pests that attract scorpions, close off entry points, and help you reclaim your space. Please call us, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
FAQs
What attracts scorpions to homes in Arizona?
Scorpions are attracted to moisture, shelter, and food sources like crickets and cockroaches. They also enter through small cracks or gaps in doors, windows, and foundations.
How can I prevent a scorpion infestation?
Seal all entry points with caulk, fix leaks, clear out clutter, and reduce insect populations with regular pest control. Keeping your yard well-maintained also helps eliminate hiding spots.
Is it necessary to hire a professional pest control service for scorpions?
Yes, especially if you’re seeing scorpions regularly. Professionals can identify the cause of the problem, treat insect populations, and use targeted methods to keep your home scorpion-free.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
