Learn About the Types of Scorpions in Arizona Now

Tens of thousands of people are stung by scorpions in Arizona every year, according to the The University of Arizona, with many of those stings happening in or around the home. Some scorpions are more aggressive than others, and some are more likely to enter your living space. That’s why it’s important to understand the types of scorpions in Arizona and how to protect yourself.

At Scorpion King Exterminating, we’re local experts who know where these pests hide, how they behave, and what works best to keep them away. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common scorpions found in Arizona, how they get inside, and what you can do to keep your home safer year-round. Let’s get started.

Common Types of Scorpions in Arizona

Arizona is home to more than 30 species of scorpions, but only a few of them are commonly seen around homes and buildings. Below, we take a closer look at the types you’re most likely to come across, and what you should know about each one.

Arizona Bark Scorpion

The Arizona Bark Scorpion is the most well-known-and the most dangerous-scorpion in the state. It’s small, tan in color, and highly active at night.

Unlike other species, it can easily climb walls and ceilings, making it more likely to get indoors through small cracks and gaps. These scorpions like to hide during the day in dark, cool spaces such as

• Under rocks
• In woodpiles
• Inside wall voids

What makes the Bark Scorpion especially concerning is its sting, which can cause serious pain, numbness, and even breathing issues for sensitive individuals.

During our inspections, we often find that Bark Scorpions enter homes through poorly sealed doors, open vents, or damaged weather stripping. Because they don’t groom themselves like crickets or roaches, they take longer to die after coming into contact with pest control treatments.

Instead of ingesting the product, they slowly absorb it through their exoskeleton over 8 to 72 hours. This is why a layered prevention plan is so important.

Yellow Ground Scorpion

The Yellow Ground Scorpion is often confused with the Bark Scorpion due to its similar size and color. However, it’s not considered medically dangerous.

These scorpions tend to stay outdoors and are mostly active in the warmer months. They’re usually found in dry, sandy soil or under rocks and debris.

While they don’t usually make their way indoors, they can still deliver a mild sting if disturbed. Most people describe the sting as similar to a bee sting. We occasionally find them near garages or under landscaping features, but they’re not aggressive and rarely become a major issue for homeowners.

Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion

The Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion is the largest species in North America and can grow up to 5 inches long. It’s dark brown with noticeable hairs across its body and pincers.

These hairs help the scorpion sense vibrations in the ground. Despite its size and intimidating look, this scorpion is not considered highly venomous.

This species prefers dry, open desert areas and spends most of its time underground. They’re not commonly found inside homes but may appear in garages, sheds, or basements if conditions are right. Because they prefer to stay buried during the day, they are not as frequently seen as other scorpions.

Striped Tail Scorpion

Also called the Stripe-tailed Scorpion, this species has distinct dark stripes running down its tail. It’s small to medium in size and usually lives outdoors under:

• Rocks
• Mulch
• Landscape materials

It’s another species that prefers cool, hidden areas, which means it can sometimes end up near or inside homes if the conditions are right.

Striped Tail Scorpions are not considered dangerous but can still sting if provoked. These scorpions often turn up during our yard inspections, especially in areas with clutter, overgrown shrubs, or damp ground. Regular yard maintenance can go a long way in keeping them away from your property.

Why Bark Scorpions Get Inside Homes

Bark Scorpions are experts at finding shelter, and homes offer the perfect escape from the heat and sun. Because they’re small and flat, they can squeeze through tiny gaps around doors, windows, vents, and utility lines. They’re also good climbers, which makes it easier for them to reach entry points on walls and roofs.

During our inspections at Scorpion King Exterminating, we often find areas where weather stripping, door sweeps, or garage seals need repair.These scorpions are looking for cool, dark hiding spots, especially in summer. They may also be drawn inside while chasing prey like crickets or roaches. This is why sealing entry points and addressing outdoor conditions, like overgrown plants or moisture, is key to keeping them out.

How We Treat Scorpions at Scorpion King Exterminating

At Scorpion King Exterminating, we use a proven approach designed specifically for scorpions. Our treatments include a microencapsulated product that creates a strong, long-lasting barrier around your home.

This product is made to hold up against heat, rain, and sun. It only activates when scorpions or insects come into direct contact with it.

As noted above, because scorpions don’t groom themselves, it can take 8 to 72 hours for the product to fully affect them. That’s why our plan targets both scorpions and their food sources, like crickets and roaches, which die off faster.

We also inspect the entire property and point out any weak spots like gaps under doors or missing seals. Our 3-zone system adds an extra layer of protection by covering spray, granules, and bait across key areas

Common Arizona Scorpions to Be Aware Of

In summary, there are many types of scorpions in Arizona, and knowing which ones are around your home can help reduce your risk. With so many scorpion habitats in Arizona, it’s important to stay proactive.

Our team can identify all types of scorpions. Our methods and proven treatments are preformed in key targeted areas to continually reduce scorpion populations on your property. At Scorpion King Exterminating, we’re here to help you feel confident and provide piece of mind in your home or commercial setting. Scorpion control requires a recurring service to keep our targeted residual barriers active.

Get a free estimate today by contacting our team for fast, reliable, friendly and professional service.