No home in the West Valley is completely scorpion-proof. Bark scorpions are small, flat, and good climbers. But most of the scorpions we find indoors got there through a handful of predictable gaps, and a lot of those gaps are things you can fix yourself. Work through this checklist from the outside in.
Start at the property line
Block walls
Block walls are one of the most common scorpion hiding spots in the Valley. The hollow cores, cracked mortar, and the gap under the cap give them shelter during the day.
- Look for cracked or missing mortar and gaps under wall caps
- Seal open joints where you can
- Keep vines and dense shrubs trimmed off the wall
- Don't stack pavers, lumber, or pots against the wall
Rock landscaping
Decorative rock and boulders hold heat and leave dark spaces underneath. Scorpions shelter under larger rocks and edging.
- Keep a strip of open ground between rock beds and the house if possible
- Avoid loose piles of landscape rock or leftover boulders near the foundation
- Remove landscape timbers, old edging, and debris you no longer need
Irrigation
Water draws prey. Prey draws scorpions.
- Check drip emitters for leaks and broken lines
- Aim emitters at plant roots, not at walls or stucco
- Fix sprinklers that soak the foundation
- Avoid overwatering beds that sit right against the house
Close to the house
- Move firewood and storage at least several feet away from the house
- Trim shrubs and trees so they don't touch the walls or roof
- Clean up fallen citrus, leaf litter, and palm debris
- Switch porch lights to warm-colored bulbs or motion sensors to draw fewer insects
- Keep crickets down. Fewer crickets means less food for scorpions
The outside of the house
Weep screeds
The weep screed is the metal strip at the bottom of your stucco wall, just above the slab or ground. On many homes there's a gap behind it that runs into the wall. Scorpions use it as an entry point into wall voids.
- Inspect the screed along every wall
- Look for gaps between the screed and the foundation
- Ask about sealing options that don't block the screed's drainage purpose
Doors
- Install or replace door sweeps on every exterior door. If you see daylight, it's open
- Check weatherstripping on the sides and top of door frames
- Replace worn garage door bottom seals and check the side seals
- Don't forget the door from the garage into the house
Windows, vents, and penetrations
- Repair torn window screens and make sure they fit tightly
- Seal gaps around AC lines, hose bibs, cable, and plumbing where they enter the stucco
- Screen roof and attic vents
- Check gaps where tile roofs meet walls or eaves
Inside the house, room by room
Garage
The garage is where many scorpions first show up.
- Keep storage in sealed plastic bins, off the floor where possible
- Clear clutter along walls and corners
- Shake out shoes, gloves, and towels before using them
Kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry
- Seal gaps around pipes under sinks
- Fix leaks. Scorpions look for moisture in hot months
- Keep floor clutter and laundry piles to a minimum
Bedrooms
- Move beds a few inches away from walls
- Keep bedskirts, blankets, and sheets from touching the floor
- Don't store items under beds where possible
- Check children's rooms and play areas regularly
Attic and ceilings
Bark scorpions climb, and some make their way into the attic and drop down through light fixtures, vents, and gaps around ceiling penetrations.
- Seal gaps around light fixtures, fans, and ceiling vents
- Check attic access hatches for a tight fit
Do a blacklight check
Bark scorpions glow under UV light. A blacklight walk after dark is the best way to see what's going on around your home.
- Walk the block walls, foundation, and rock beds an hour or so after sunset
- Check door thresholds, the garage, and the base of stucco walls
- Note where you find them. Clusters point to harborage or entry points
- Repeat after monsoon storms, when activity often spikes
Learn more about the Arizona bark scorpion or read why sightings climb in late summer in our post on monsoon season and scorpions.
Where professional service fits in
This checklist reduces the reasons scorpions come in and the ways they get inside. Treatment handles the scorpions that are already around. The two work best together.
Our scorpion control service includes an inspection of the same areas on this list. Bryce points out entry points and harborage, then treats the exterior, block walls, and hiding spots with kid and pet friendly products. For ongoing scorpion pressure, our monthly plan refreshes the barrier every month and includes free re-service between visits.
Stings can be medically significant: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for a severe reaction.
When to call
If you've worked through the list and you're still finding scorpions inside, it's time to bring in help. Quotes are free. Text a photo of what you're finding, or of a gap you're unsure about, to (623) 363-3124. Bryce is the owner, and he's the one who comes out and does the work. You can also reach us through our contact page.