Arizona Scorpion Guide
Scorpions in Arizona: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Arizona is home to 30+ scorpion species. One — the bark scorpion — is medically significant. Here's how to identify, prevent, and eliminate them.
30+ AZ SpeciesBark Scorpion RiskSame-Day Service
Identifying Arizona Scorpions
Most Arizona scorpions are nuisance pests. The bark scorpion is the exception — it's the only species in the US considered medically significant.
Arizona Bark Scorpion
Centruroides sculpturatus
Tan to light brown, 2–3 inches. Slender pincers and a thin, curved tail. The only US scorpion whose venom can cause severe reactions. Climbs walls and hides in tight crevices.
- Where they hide
- Walls, ceilings, closets, weep holes, under bark and rocks
- The only scorpion in the US that can climb smooth vertical surfaces
Desert Hairy Scorpion
Hadrurus arizonensis
Arizona's largest scorpion — up to 5 inches. Dark brown with yellowish legs and hairy appearance. Painful sting but venom is not medically significant.
- Where they hide
- Burrows in desert soil, under rocks and debris
- Largest scorpion in North America; rarely enters homes
Stripe-Tailed Scorpion
Paravaejovis spinigerus
Medium-sized, tan with dark stripes on the tail. Common in desert areas. Sting is painful but not dangerous to healthy adults.
- Where they hide
- Under rocks, debris, and in soil near the foundation
- Very common in Arizona yards; often found under flagstone
Bark Scorpion: Common Questions
For healthy adults, a bark scorpion sting causes intense pain, numbness, and tingling that can last 24–72 hours. For children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems, stings can cause more severe reactions including difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention for any sting involving a child or if severe symptoms develop.
Yes. Bark scorpions are the only Arizona scorpion that can climb smooth vertical surfaces including stucco, glass, and painted walls. They are commonly found on ceilings and in closets.
Yes. All scorpions fluoresce under UV (black) light, making nighttime inspections with a UV flashlight an effective way to locate them.
Where Scorpions Hide in and Around Your Home
Scorpions are nocturnal and seek dark, tight spaces during the day. These are the most common harborage points our technicians find.
Under and inside shoes, clothing, and bedding
Bark scorpions are flat enough to hide in shoes and folded clothing — always shake out before wearing.
Wall voids, attics, and crawl spaces
Bark scorpions climb and colonize wall voids — a single void can harbor dozens.
Under bark, rocks, wood piles, and debris in the yard
Outdoor harborage sites where scorpions shelter during the day.
Cardboard boxes and stored items in garages
Garages are a primary entry point — scorpions hide in boxes and move inside.
Around door frames, window frames, and weep holes
Weep holes are the most common entry point for bark scorpions.
Near pool equipment and irrigation boxes
Moisture and shelter make these prime harborage sites.
Warning Signs of a Scorpion Problem
A single scorpion sighting may be isolated. These signs indicate an active infestation that needs professional treatment.
Scorpions found inside the home — especially in bedrooms, closets, or bathrooms
Indoor sightings — especially in bedrooms — indicate the home envelope has been breached.
Multiple scorpions seen in the yard at night under UV light
More than 3–4 scorpions per night suggests an active colony nearby.
Neighbors reporting scorpion activity — bark scorpions live in colonies and share territory
Bark scorpions live in colonies. Neighbor activity means your home is at risk.
New construction nearby — scorpions are displaced by grading and excavation
Displaced scorpions from construction actively seek new harborage — including your home.
How to Reduce Scorpion Risk in Your Home
Seal all gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and weep holes — bark scorpions can enter through a gap as thin as a credit card.
A credit-card-thin gap is enough for a bark scorpion to enter. Seal everything.
Remove debris, wood piles, and rock features from around the foundation.
Debris within 3 feet of the foundation is the most common harborage site.
Keep grass trimmed and eliminate dense ground cover near the home.
Dense ground cover and tall grass provide daytime shelter for scorpions.
Shake out shoes and clothing before wearing, especially items stored in garages.
Bark scorpions are most active at night — stored items in garages are high-risk.
Inspect with a UV flashlight at night to locate scorpions before they enter.
A UV flashlight reveals scorpions that are invisible to the naked eye in the dark.
When to Call a Professional
Scorpion control requires treating the home, the perimeter, and the harborage sites where scorpions shelter. DIY sprays rarely reach these areas effectively.
- You've found a scorpion inside the home — especially a bark scorpion
- You're finding multiple scorpions in the yard at night
- You have children, elderly family members, or pets at risk from stings
- DIY treatments haven't reduced activity after 2–3 weeks
- You're moving into a new home in an area known for scorpion activity
Elite Pest uses a proven 3-zone treatment system — interior, perimeter, and harborage sites — to eliminate scorpions and prevent re-entry.
View Scorpion Control Services →Frequently Asked Questions
Scorpions are most active from April through October in Arizona, with peak activity during the summer monsoon season. They are less active in winter but do not hibernate.
Bark scorpion stings cause immediate, intense burning pain followed by numbness and tingling. The sting site may not show visible swelling. Seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or if a child was stung.
Professional treatments typically provide 60–90 days of protection. Monthly service is recommended in high-activity areas.
Scorpions do not typically enter through plumbing. They enter through gaps in the building envelope — door sweeps, weep holes, and cracks in the foundation.
Protect Your Family from Scorpions
Elite Pest serves Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, and the entire East Valley. Same-day service available.