Living in Phoenix might mean experiencing the best summer ever. On the other hand, there’s something apartment renters must be aware of. The presence of a scorpion can be more than even frustrating. Or if you own the space, one unsealed area can be enough to invite unwanted visitors. This creates a problem for both the tenants and landlords and can end up in a dispute. You don’t want the scorpions to make that scene. Worry no more because, in this guide, we will learn the proven scorpion control in complexes. And how to keep your property free from them.
Why Apartment Complexes Are Scorpion Hotspots
Scorpions love to be in the darkness and places that give them cool. Unfortunately, apartment complexes are an ideal environment for them, too. If you’re wondering how accurate is it across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, read why:
- Shared walls and crawlspaces give scorpions freedom to travel between units
- Outdoor lights attract bugs (scorpion food), drawing them closer to buildings
- Unsealed doors, utility closets, and foundation cracks are easy entry points
- Many complexes are built near natural desert terrain or washes where scorpions live
Even newer buildings aren’t immune if it’s in Maricopa County; it’s fair game for bark scorpions.
What Tenants Can Do to Control Scorpions for Apartment Complexes
You can’t control the entire complex, but there’s plenty you can do inside your own apartment to reduce scorpion activity:
- Seal windows and door gaps with weatherstripping
- Keep floors and closets free of clutter, especially cardboard boxes
- Shake out shoes, towels, and clothes before using them
- Use door sweeps to block small entryways
- Report any cracks, holes, or pest sightings to your building’s management ASAP
- Check for activity with a UV blacklight during warmer months (March–October)
It’s all about removing shelter and access points. Scorpions are opportunists, don’t make it easy for them.
Shocking Scorpions at Apartment
“Scorpions? Hi! Just moved to Goodyear from out of state and I am PARANOID for scorpions. We are in a first-story apartment and I love leaving doors and windows open for fresh air (with a screen), and then we have a little dog door to our patio. Lots of ways for scorpions to get in I guess. Does anyone have any ideas for pet-safe scorpion proofing? Also, are they really that common or am I just being paranoid? LOL thanks!”
— New Phoenix-Area Renter via Reddit Forum
What Property Managers Should Be Doing
If you’re managing a complex, scorpion prevention shouldn’t be a once-a-year thing. It needs to be routine, especially during peak seasons. Here’s how to keep tenants safe and satisfied:
- Schedule monthly professional pest control with a company that knows desert pests
- Request property-wide blacklight inspections
- Conduct annual home sealing services across all units and shared areas
- Replace exterior lighting with amber bug-reducing bulbs
- Keep landscaping trimmed and eliminate piles of debris, mulch, or stored items near walls
- Send out resident education flyers or emails with prevention tips
Being proactive shows residents you care and it can reduce costly complaints and turnover.
Choosing the Right Scorpion Control Company
Scorpions are a Phoenix-specific issue, so you’ll want a pest control partner who knows Arizona pests inside and out.
Look for a company that:
- Offers multi-unit pest control plans
- Uses child- and pet-safe products
- Specializes in scorpion control, not just general pests
- Performs blacklight inspections and sealing services
- Operates locally in Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, and Scottsdale
Finally, No More Scorpions
“When we first moved to Goodyear from out of state, I had no idea how big of a deal scorpions were in Arizona. I’m originally from a cooler climate, so the idea of poisonous bugs sneaking into my apartment at night was terrifying. We live on the ground floor, and I loved leaving the windows open for fresh air until I realized that screens don’t exactly stop scorpions. That’s when I found a local pest control company that specialized in scorpion-proofing for apartment buildings. They didn’t just show up and spray, they took the time to listen, explained where scorpions usually get in, and walked through pet-safe sealing options. They treated the baseboards, sealed the entry points around the patio, and even made recommendations for lighting and keeping the area clean and less inviting to pests.” – Emily R., First-Time Arizona Renter in Goodyear
Protect Every Unit. From the Ground Floor to the Top.
If you’re seeing scorpions or hearing about them from tenants, it’s time to act fast. These pests don’t wait, and neither should you. Call Spark Pest Control today to schedule a comprehensive apartment-wide inspection. We offer safe, effective scorpion solutions for complexes of every size across Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Don’t let shared walls become a shared problem. Let’s lock scorpions out, unit by unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are scorpions common in Phoenix apartment complexes?
Yes. Phoenix and surrounding areas like Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa are part of the Sonoran Desert, where bark scorpions are native. Apartments are especially vulnerable due to shared walls, common areas, and nearby desert terrain.
2. Why do scorpions get into apartment buildings?
Scorpions get into the apartments because they are seeking a place to stay. They can enter through any cracks in alls, vents, and under doors.s In multi-unit buildings it can be really easy for them to crawl through crawlspaces.
3. What time of year are scorpions most active in Phoenix?
Scorpions are most active from March through October, especially during the monsoon season. Warm nights and moisture increase their activity, which is why year-round pest control is important in apartments.
4. Who is responsible for pest control in apartments, tenants or landlords?
In most cases, landlords or property managers are responsible for providing pest control. However, tenants should also take steps to prevent infestations and report any sightings immediately.
5. What can I do if I see a scorpion in my apartment?
If you spot a scorpion:
- Kill it safely (if possible)
- Take a photo or save the specimen (for ID)
- Report it to management immediately
- Seal any obvious cracks and keep areas clutter-free
It’s also a good idea to shake out shoes, towels, and clothes regularly.
6. Can scorpions spread through the whole apartment complex?
Yes. Because of shared plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, scorpions can move from unit to unit, especially in older or poorly sealed buildings. That’s why property-wide treatment and sealing are key.
7. What should property managers do to prevent scorpions?
Property managers should:
- Schedule routine pest control
- Perform annual sealing inspections
- Educate tenants on prevention
- Replace outdoor lighting with insect-reducing bulbs
- Keep landscaping well-maintained
8. Are pest control treatments safe for children and pets in apartment settings?
Yes, when done by licensed professionals using child- and pet-safe products. Be sure to confirm with your pest control provider that they specialize in multi-unit, family-friendly treatments.
9. Can I use natural repellents like peppermint oil in my unit?
Yes, but natural repellents like peppermint or cedar oil may only provide limited short-term results. They can be used as a supplement but should not replace professional pest control services.
10. How often should apartment complexes in Phoenix be treated for scorpions?
Most pest control pros recommend monthly treatments during peak seasons and bi-monthly or quarterly during winter. Consistent scheduling helps prevent infestations from taking hold.
