Scorpions are among Tucson’s most feared desert residents, and for good reason. These arachnids can deliver painful stings that send you straight to the emergency room. But don’t let fear keep you locked indoors—with the right knowledge and professional help, you can enjoy your Arizona home scorpion-free.
Arizona is home to over 35 scorpion species, with the Arizona bark scorpion being the most dangerous. This venomous species thrives in our desert climate and has adapted perfectly to urban environments. Unlike other desert creatures that avoid human contact, scorpions actively seek out the cool, dark spaces our homes provide.
The good news? Effective scorpion control is absolutely achievable. Arizona Pest Control has been protecting Tucson families from these dangerous pests since 1947, and we’ve learned a thing or two about keeping scorpions at bay.
Understanding Tucson’s Scorpion Problem
Scorpions didn’t choose Tucson randomly—our city offers everything they need to thrive. The Sonoran Desert’s warm temperatures, abundant hiding spots, and year-round mild climate create perfect conditions for scorpion populations.
The Arizona bark scorpion poses the greatest threat to Tucson residents. Measuring just 2-3 inches long, this pale yellow arachnid packs a venomous punch that can cause severe pain, numbness, and respiratory issues. Children and elderly individuals face the highest risk of serious complications from bark scorpion stings.
These nocturnal hunters become most active during warmer months, but don’t assume winter offers complete relief. Scorpions can survive cold snaps by hiding in warm spaces like your home’s interior walls, attics, and basements.
Common Hiding Spots Around Your Property
Scorpions excel at finding hiding spots that offer protection from predators and extreme temperatures. Around your Tucson home, they typically shelter in:
Outdoor Areas:
- Rock piles and decorative stone features
- Woodpiles and stored lumber
- Palm tree bark and dead fronds
- Irrigation boxes and water meter covers
- Gaps under concrete slabs and sidewalks
- Cluttered storage areas in garages and sheds
Indoor Locations:
- Closets with stored items on the floor
- Bathrooms, especially around bathtubs and sinks
- Bedrooms under beds and in shoes
- Laundry rooms near water sources
- Attics and crawl spaces
- Behind appliances and furniture
Scorpions can squeeze through incredibly small spaces—gaps as narrow as a credit card provide enough room for entry. This makes thorough sealing absolutely critical for effective prevention.
Prevention Strategies That Actually Work
Successful scorpion prevention requires a multi-layered approach targeting both attraction factors and entry points.
Eliminate Water Sources
Scorpions need water to survive, making moisture control your first line of defense. Fix leaky pipes immediately, ensure proper drainage around your foundation, and remove standing water from plant saucers and pet bowls. Consider switching to drip irrigation systems that minimize surface moisture.
Reduce Outdoor Lighting
Standard porch lights attract insects, which in turn attract scorpions seeking easy meals. Replace white bulbs with yellow or amber LED lights that are less appealing to insects. Motion-activated lighting provides security without creating constant insect magnets.
Maintain Your Landscape
Keep vegetation trimmed back from your home’s exterior walls. Remove palm tree bark regularly, as scorpions love these fibrous hiding spots. Store firewood at least 20 feet from your house and elevated off the ground.
Seal Entry Points
Walk around your home’s perimeter and seal cracks in walls, gaps around utility lines, and spaces under doors. Use weatherstripping on doors and windows, and install door sweeps that create tight seals. Pay special attention to areas where different building materials meet.
Professional Scorpion Control Solutions
While prevention helps, established scorpion populations require professional intervention. Arizona Pest Control’s comprehensive approach includes:
Thorough Property Inspection: Our licensed technicians identify scorpion harborage areas, entry points, and conditions that attract these pests to your property.
Targeted Treatment Application: We apply EPA-approved treatments to areas where scorpions hide and travel, creating protective barriers around your home’s perimeter.
Ongoing Monitoring: Regular service visits ensure treatments remain effective and allow us to adjust strategies based on seasonal scorpion activity patterns.
Exclusion Services: Our team seals entry points and recommends property modifications that make your home less attractive to scorpions.
Signs You Have a Scorpion Problem
Scorpions are secretive creatures, but several warning signs indicate their presence:
- Finding shed exoskeletons in closets or storage areas
- Discovering scorpions inside your home, especially in bathrooms
- Seeing scorpions on exterior walls at night
- Finding dead scorpions around your property
- Pet behavior changes, such as reluctance to go outside at night
Don’t wait for a sting to take action. Early intervention prevents small scorpion populations from becoming major infestations.
What to Do If You Encounter a Scorpion
If you spot a scorpion in your home, remain calm and keep your distance. Never attempt to handle scorpions with bare hands. Use long-handled tools like tongs or a broom to capture them, or simply contain them under a glass until professional help arrives.
For stings, seek immediate medical attention, especially for children, elderly individuals, or anyone experiencing severe symptoms. Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling while waiting for medical care.
The Arizona Pest Control Advantage
Arizona Pest Control has protected Tucson families from scorpions for over 75 years. Our locally-owned company understands the unique challenges Southern Arizona presents, and our technicians receive ongoing training on the latest scorpion control methods.
We’re not just pest control experts—we’re your neighbors. Our A+ Better Business Bureau rating and thousands of satisfied customers reflect our commitment to effective, environmentally responsible pest management.
Our veteran-operated, family-owned business takes pride in using advanced treatment methods while minimizing environmental impact. When you choose Arizona Pest Control, you’re supporting a local company that gives back to the Tucson community.
Take Action Against Tucson Scorpions Today
Scorpions pose a real threat to your family’s safety and peace of mind. Don’t gamble with DIY solutions that offer temporary relief at best. Professional scorpion control provides the comprehensive protection your Tucson home needs.
Arizona Pest Control offers free in-home evaluations that identify scorpion risks and provide customized treatment recommendations. Our experienced technicians will assess your property, explain our treatment process, and answer all your questions.
Ready to reclaim your home from scorpions? Call Arizona Pest Control at 520-886-7378 to schedule your free evaluation. With same-day service available and over seven decades of local experience, we’re Tucson’s trusted choice for scorpion control.
Don’t let another night pass wondering if scorpions are lurking in your home. Contact Arizona Pest Control today and discover why we’re voted Tucson’s #1 pest control company year after year.
