Scorpion Control: Inspection, Sealing and Ongoing Treatment
Finding a scorpion in the bathtub or on the wall at night is unsettling, especially with kids or pets in the house. Call Bastion Pest Pros any time and we’ll get a licensed local scorpion exterminator on it. Ask about same-day or next-day availability; calling is free.
- 24/7 call line
- Free to call
- Homes, rentals and businesses
Scorpion Control: Quick Answers
Scorpion control is different from most bug work. Sprays alone rarely solve it, so a good plan focuses on finding where scorpions hide and closing the ways in.
What it is
A blacklight inspection, sealing of entry points, targeted treatment, and changes to the yard that cut hiding spots and food.
Typical cost (U.S. guide estimate)
A one-time general treatment runs about $150–$400, and ongoing plans about $40–$100 a month. Sealing work is quoted after inspection.
How fast help arrives
Call to check same-day or next-day availability in your area.
How many visits
Usually ongoing. Scorpions keep arriving from outdoors, so many homes in scorpion country stay on a regular plan.
Signs You Have a Scorpion Problem
Scorpions hide by day and move at night, so most people see only a fraction of what’s there. These signs suggest more than a single stray.
| Sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Scorpions seen indoors more than once | They’re living in walls, the attic or close to the house |
| Scorpions in sinks, tubs or showers | They climbed in from walls or ceilings and can’t climb out of smooth surfaces |
| Scorpions on walls or ceilings | Likely bark scorpions, which climb well |
| Several found under rocks, pavers or wood near the house | A population living right at the foundation |
| Lots of crickets, roaches or other insects | Plenty of food that keeps scorpions around |
| A sting with no scorpion found | One may be hiding in shoes, bedding, towels or clothes on the floor |
| Glowing shapes outside at night under a UV light | Scorpions active in the yard or on walls |
If you’re seeing them inside every week, the source is close to the house. It’s time to call.
Which Scorpion Is It? US Species Compared
The United States has many scorpion species, but only one is considered a serious medical concern. Knowing which one you have changes how urgent the job is.
| Scorpion | Looks like | Where found | Sting risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona bark scorpion | Slender, light tan to yellow, thin tail; about 2–3 inches | Low deserts of Arizona; also parts of CA, NV, NM, UT, CO, TX | The only US scorpion of medical concern; serious for young children and older adults |
| Striped bark scorpion | Tan with two dark stripes on the back; about 2.5 inches | All of Texas; also neighboring states | Painful; usually moderate reactions, but watch closely |
| Arizona (desert) hairy scorpion | Large, yellow with dark back, hairy tail | Desert Southwest | Painful, usually like a bee sting |
| Stripedtail scorpion | Brown and stocky with stripes on the tail | Southern California | Painful, usually like a bee sting |
Bark scorpions are the ones found on walls and ceilings. Larger, stockier scorpions tend to stay on the ground.
A clear photo on the call helps the pro come prepared. Take it from a few feet away, never by hand, and try to show the body color, tail thickness and any stripes on the back.
Arizona Bark Scorpion: The One to Take Seriously
The Arizona bark scorpion is the only scorpion in the US considered medically significant. It’s also the one most likely to end up inside homes.
It climbs.
Bark scorpions cross walls and ceilings and can drop into beds, sinks and tubs.
It lives in groups.
It isn’t territorial, so where you find one, you often find more, especially near food and water.
It survives water.
It can stay alive in pool water for a long time and still sting if you pick it up.
It’s small.
Adults are slim, light-colored and easy to miss, and they fit through very small gaps.
It’s active most of the year
in low desert areas, slowing down in winter when it clusters in protected spots.
In homes where bark scorpions are present, sealing and regular service matter more than any single treatment.
Need help with scorpion control? Call now.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Striped Bark Scorpion in Texas
The striped bark scorpion is the most common scorpion in Texas and the only one found across the whole state. It’s the species most Texans meet indoors.
| Fact | Why it matters at home |
|---|---|
| Found statewide, indoors and out | It’s not just a West Texas problem |
| The only species in East Texas | Any scorpion there is almost certainly this one |
| Hides under rocks, wood and debris | Yard cleanup cuts numbers near the foundation |
| May move into living areas in hot weather | Hot attics push them down into rooms |
| Sting is painful; most reactions are moderate | Watch anyone who’s stung, and get care if symptoms grow |
Texas has many scorpion species overall, with the most variety in the far west of the state.
How a Scorpion Problem Builds
Scorpion problems tend to grow around a house that offers shelter, moisture and insects to eat. This is a common pattern in desert neighborhoods.
- Stage 1
Scorpions under a rock pile and block wall
- Stage 2
One on the outside wall at dusk
- Stage 3
One in a bathtub
- After
Sealed doors
- Early
Scorpions live in block walls, rock piles and debris near the home
- Spreading
Some find gaps under doors, around pipes and at the roofline
- Ongoing
Scorpions show up in tubs, on walls and in the garage several times a month
- After service
Gaps sealed, yard cleared, perimeter treated; sightings drop over time
The longer the yard and walls stay unsealed, the more scorpions settle in close to the house.
Not sure what you’re dealing with? Describe it on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Why Scorpions Resist Many Pesticides
Scorpions are known as one of the hardest household pests to control with sprays alone. University extension guides give a few reasons.
They hide all day
in cracks, wall voids and under objects, away from treated surfaces.
Adults have a thick outer shell
and larger body size, so they’re harder to kill than insects.
New scorpions keep arriving
from the desert, washes and neighboring yards.
That’s why extension experts say exclusion and habitat changes come first, and products are used alongside them, not instead of them.
DIY vs Professional Scorpion Control
Some scorpion prevention is easy to do yourself. Getting rid of an established population is harder.
| DIY | Licensed pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Blacklight checks at night | Yes, with a UV flashlight | Yes, as part of a full inspection |
| Finds every entry point | Hard to do | Systematic check of roofline, doors, pipes and walls |
| Sealing and exclusion | Small gaps, door sweeps | Full exterior sealing, screening and caps |
| Products | Retail strength, short-lasting | Professional products with better residual control |
| Controls the insects scorpions eat | Partly | Yes, part of the plan |
| Ongoing service | No | Usually available |
Never handle a scorpion with bare hands. If you must remove one, trap it under a jar and slide paper underneath.
What a Scorpion Inspection Covers
The inspection is where most of the value comes from. A blacklight scorpion inspection at night, plus a daytime check of the house, shows where scorpions live, how they get in and what feeds them.
Nighttime or UV blacklight check
scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, which makes them easy to spot
Roofline
eaves, roof tiles, attic vents and gaps at the fascia
Doors and windows
worn sweeps, weather stripping and screens
Walls
cracks, open block walls, gaps around pipes and wires, weep holes
Garage
door seals, stored boxes and clutter
Yard
rock piles, pavers, firewood, palm trees, landscape timbers and irrigation leaks
Food sources
crickets, roaches and other insects around lights and moisture
You should leave knowing the species, where they’re coming from, what needs sealing and what the plan costs.
How Blacklight (UV) Inspections Work
Scorpions fluoresce, meaning their shells glow a bright blue-green under ultraviolet light. That makes a dark yard much easier to search.
Wait until dark.
Scorpions are most active at night; in summer, the evening hours are a good window.
Scan with a UV light.
Walls, block fences, rock beds, door frames and the base of plants.
Note where they cluster.
Clusters point to the hiding spots and entry points to fix.
Remove what’s found.
Pros may collect scorpions during the inspection.
Repeat over time.
Regular checks show whether sealing and treatment are working.
A UV flashlight is also a good tool for homeowners between pro visits. Wear shoes and gloves, and don’t reach into places you can’t see.
Scorpion Treatment Options Compared
Most scorpion plans combine several of these. The pro picks based on the species, the house and how many scorpions are around.
| Method | How it works | Best for | Time | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exclusion and sealing | Caulk, sweeps, screens and caps close entry points | Every home with scorpions inside | Depends on how much sealing is needed | Clear access around doors, garage and walls |
| Perimeter treatment | Residual product on the foundation and around openings | Reducing scorpions at the house | Done during the visit | Keep kids and pets off until dry or as the label directs |
| Crack-and-crevice treatment | Targeted product in voids, corners and gaps | Indoor hiding spots | Done during the visit | Clear under sinks and closets |
| Dust in voids | Fine dust in wall voids and attics | Bark scorpions in walls | Done during the visit | Attic access clear |
| Blacklight removal | Scorpions found and collected at night | Lowering numbers fast | Done at night | Yard lights off |
| Insect control | Treating the crickets and roaches scorpions eat | Long-term reduction | Part of service | Minimal |
| Yard changes | Removing rocks, debris and wood near the house | Fewer hiding spots | Varies | Done by the homeowner or a landscaper |
Ask the pro which products they’ll use and where, especially with children, pets or a pool.
Sealing and Exclusion: Keeping Scorpions Out
Bark scorpions can slip through very small gaps, so scorpion sealing has to be thorough. Pest-proofing is the most effective way to reduce stings, according to University of Arizona Extension.
- 1Gaps under doors
- 2Unscreened weep holes
- 3Roof tile edges
- 4Open block walls
- 5Pipe penetrations and the garage door seal
Common sealing work
- Door sweeps and weather stripping on every exterior door, including the garage
- Caulk around windows, pipes, wires and wall penetrations
- Screens over weep holes (screen them; don’t seal them, since they vent the wall)
- Caps or stucco on open hollow-block walls
- Sealing gaps at roof eaves and tile edges
- Tight, repaired window and vent screens
- Rubber seal on the bottom of the garage door
Sealing is often quoted separately from treatment. It’s the part that keeps paying off after the first visit.
Sealing has limits. It cuts how many scorpions get in, but no home is airtight, and new scorpions keep arriving from the yard and nearby desert. That’s why extension guides pair exclusion with habitat changes and treatment rather than relying on it alone.
Questions about cost or safety? Ask on the call.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144What Happens When You Call
One call is all it takes to get started. Here’s what to expect.
- Step 1
Call (844) 442-2144
Our 24/7 call line is open day, night, weekends and holidays.
- Step 2
Tell us what you’re seeing
Where you find scorpions, how often and what they look like. A photo helps.
- Step 3
We connect you with a licensed local pro
Ideally one who handles scorpions regularly in your area.
- Step 4
The pro inspects
Often including a blacklight check, plus the roofline, doors and yard.
- Step 5
You get a plan and a price
Treatment, sealing and any ongoing service, before work starts.
- Step 6
Service and follow-up
Many scorpion plans include regular visits through the warm months.
There’s no cost to call and no obligation to book.
Start with step 1. It’s free.
Calling costs nothing. You only pay the pest control company if you book the service they quote.
Call (844) 442-2144Ask about same-day or next-day availability
How to Prepare for Scorpion Service
A little prep helps the pro reach every hiding spot and keeps your family safe during treatment.
- Note where and when you’ve seen scorpions; take photos if you can
- Clear clutter from the garage floor and along interior walls
- Move boxes and stored items away from exterior walls
- Open access to the attic and under sinks
- Bring pet bowls and toys inside or put them away
- Cover fish tanks and tell the pro about pets, pools and any allergies
- Shake out shoes and keep towels and clothes off the floor until service is done
After Treatment: What to Expect
Scorpion control works in stages, not all at once. Seeing a few after the first visit is normal.
- Right after treatment
Scorpions may move around more and show up in the open
- Follow-up visit
Indoor sightings should start to drop; the pro checks sealing and treated areas
- Later
Sealing and yard changes start to show results
- Ongoing
Regular service keeps the perimeter treated through warm months
Call the provider back if sightings haven’t dropped in the time they told you to expect. Many providers offer re-service between visits; ask how theirs works.
How Much Does Scorpion Control Cost?
The pro gives you an exact price after the inspection. These general pest ranges help you know what to expect.
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| One-time general pest treatment | $150–$400 |
| Ongoing pest plan | $40–$100 per month |
| Sealing and exclusion | Quoted after inspection |
Source: AlwaysDoBetter 2026 pest control pricing guide.
What changes the price
Home size and yard size
more wall and more ground to cover
Species
bark scorpions in walls take more work than ground scorpions in the yard
Sealing needed
a few door sweeps versus a full roofline and block wall job
Construction
tile roofs, block walls and weep holes add sealing time
How many visits
most scorpion plans are ongoing
Nearby land
homes next to desert, washes or open lots see more pressure
Because new scorpions keep arriving from outside, one visit rarely holds for long in scorpion country. Many homeowners in Phoenix, Tucson, Las Vegas and Texas keep a monthly or quarterly plan through spring, summer and fall.
Want a licensed local pro? We’ll help you find one.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144When Are Scorpions Most Active?
Scorpions follow the heat. Warm nights bring them out, and cold weather sends them into protected spots.
Winter
Low activity; bark scorpions cluster in protected spaces
Spring
Activity picks up as nights warm; mating season for some species
Summer
Peak activity on warm nights; best time for blacklight checks
Fall
Still active in the low desert; some species mate
In low desert areas, University of Arizona Extension notes bark scorpions are active most of the year, with warm nights above about 70°F ideal for them.
Where Scorpions Live in the US
Scorpions are most common in the Southwest and Texas, but some species live farther north and east.
| Region | Main scorpions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona bark scorpion, desert hairy scorpion, others | Bark scorpions are common in low-desert cities |
| Nevada | Arizona bark scorpion in parts of the state, others | Bark scorpions can turn up in and around homes |
| New Mexico | Bark scorpion in parts of the state, others | Several species; ask the local pro which you have |
| Texas | Striped bark scorpion statewide; many more species in West Texas | East Texas has only the striped bark scorpion |
| Southern California | Stripedtail scorpion and others; bark scorpion only in the far southeast | Most California scorpions are not dangerous |
| Utah and Colorado | Bark scorpion in limited areas, others | Less common than farther south |
| Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana and nearby states | Striped bark scorpion | Part of its natural range |
Not sure what’s in your area? Call, and the local pro will know your species.
Scorpion Stings: What to Do
Most scorpion stings in the US cause pain and tingling and get better on their own. Bark scorpion stings can be more serious, especially for young children. This isn’t medical advice; call for expert help right away.
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222
right away. It’s free, works anywhere in the US and is open around the clock.
Call 911
for trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, drooling, muscle twitching, unusual eye movements or a severe reaction.
Children
Young children are at higher risk. University of Arizona Extension advises calling 911 or going to the hospital right away if a child 9 or younger is stung.
Older adults and anyone with heart or blood pressure problems
should see a doctor promptly.
Save the scorpion
only if you can do it safely; a photo also helps identify it.
When in doubt, call Poison Help or see a doctor.
Ready when you are. One call, any pest.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Scorpion Prevention Checklist
Sealing and treatment work best when the yard and home stop giving scorpions places to hide and food to eat.
Inside
- Shake out shoes, gloves and clothes before putting them on
- Keep towels and clothes off bathroom and bedroom floors
- Pull beds a few inches from walls; keep bedding off the floor
- Check bedding before getting in, especially in kids’ rooms
Outside walls and garage
- Fit door sweeps and seal gaps around pipes and wires
- Keep the garage floor clear of boxes and clutter
- Use yellow outdoor bulbs, which attract fewer insects
Yard
- Move rocks, bricks, boards and firewood away from the house
- Trim branches that touch the roof
- Fix irrigation leaks and drippy hose bibs
- Wear shoes and use a UV light when walking outside at night
Questions to Ask the Scorpion Pro
A good scorpion provider will talk about sealing and habitat, not just spraying. These questions help you tell the difference.
- 1
What is your state pest control license number?
- 2
Which species do I have, and is it a bark scorpion?
- 3
Do you do a blacklight inspection?
- 4
What entry points did you find, and is sealing included in the price?
- 5
Which products will you use, and where?
- 6
Are the products safe around my kids, pets and pool once dry?
- 7
How many visits do you recommend, and how often?
- 8
Do you offer re-service if scorpions keep showing up?
Get the terms in writing.
Scorpion Myths vs Facts
A lot of scorpion advice online is wrong or outdated. Here’s what extension experts actually say.
- Myth“Spraying once a year keeps scorpions away.”FactScorpions are hard to control with products alone; sealing and yard changes come first.
- Myth“Bigger scorpions are more dangerous.”FactThe small, slender bark scorpion is the one of medical concern in the US.
- Myth“Scorpions only live outside.”FactBark scorpions climb walls and often live in wall voids and attics.
- Myth“A drowned scorpion in the pool is safe to touch.”FactBark scorpions can survive in water for a long time and still sting.
- Myth“Seal every hole, including weep holes.”FactWeep holes should be screened, not sealed, so walls can vent.
- Myth“Scorpions are only a problem in Arizona.”FactStriped bark scorpions live across Texas and nearby states.
Why Call Bastion for Scorpion Control
Scorpion control depends on local know-how: the species, the construction and the desert around your home. One call to Bastion gets you there faster.
One number, any pest.
Scorpions today, termites or roaches tomorrow. Tell us the problem and the right local pro follows up.
Scorpion-savvy local pros.
We aim to match you with a local pro who handles scorpions regularly in your area.
Fast when it matters.
Same-day or next-day help may be available, and our 24/7 call line is open day, night, weekends and holidays.
Straight answers first.
Knowing the species, sealing steps and costs makes the pro’s plan easier to judge.
Pest control companies must hold a state license to treat homes. In Arizona, Nevada or Texas, ask the scorpion pro for that license number and check it on the state’s online lookup before sealing or treatment begins.
Still deciding? Calling is free and there’s no obligation.Licensed local pros · 24/7 call line · Free to call
Call now (844) 442-2144Scorpion Control by state
Local guides with state rules, seasonal timing and licensed providers near you.
Scorpion Control FAQs
How to get rid of scorpions in my house?
Seal entry points, clear hiding spots near the house, control the insects they eat and use targeted treatments. A licensed pro can do the inspection, sealing and treatment together.
Can you get rid of scorpions completely?
In scorpion country, complete removal is hard because new ones keep arriving. The goal is to keep them out of the living space, and most homes see far fewer with sealing and regular service.
Are scorpion treatments safe for kids and pets?
Most are, once dry and when applied correctly. Tell the pro about children, pets and pools so they can choose products and placement.
Why do I find scorpions in my bathtub?
Bark scorpions climb walls and ceilings and can fall into tubs and sinks. Smooth surfaces keep them from climbing back out.
Do scorpions come up through drains?
They can enter around gaps where pipes meet the wall or floor. Sealing those gaps and checking drain covers helps.
Do blacklights really find scorpions?
Yes. Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, which is why pros and homeowners use UV flashlights at night.
What should I do if my child is stung?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away, or call 911 for breathing problems, drooling or muscle twitching. Young children should be seen promptly.
Which scorpion is the most dangerous in the US?
The Arizona bark scorpion. It’s the only US species considered of medical concern.
How fast can a scorpion exterminator come out?
Same-day or next-day help may be available. Call (844) 442-2144 and we’ll check availability in your area.
Do I need ongoing scorpion control?
In Arizona, southern Nevada, Texas and nearby areas, most homes with regular sightings do best on an ongoing plan through the warm months.
Didn’t see your question?
Call and ask. The line is open 24/7 and calling is free.
- Your ZIP code
- What you’re seeing and where
- How long it’s been going on
No obligation to book.
Stop Finding Scorpions in Your Home
Scorpions that find shelter near the house tend to stay. Call now and get a licensed local scorpion pro on it.
Call now (844) 442-2144