You are walking the way to the garage when suddenly you flip the light, and something catches your eye. If you live in Phoenix, you already know what we are talking about. Yep, the scorpions. Welcome to desert living. Scorpions are more than just creepy crawlers here. They’re part of the Phoenix lifestyle whether we like it or not. Some neighborhoods, though? They’re practically scorpion vacation resorts. If you’ve ever wondered which parts of Phoenix are crawling more than others, you’re in the right place.
Let’s talk about hotspots and how to keep these little tank-like pests out of your home.
Why Scorpions Love Phoenix (And Your Backyard)
Phoenix isn’t just a city in the desert. It’s the perfect plsce for bark scorpions, the most common and venomous type around here.
Here’s why they’re obsessed with our city:
- The climate is hot and dry, which is just how they like it.
- Irrigation systems and lush landscaping attract the bugs they love to eat.
- Block fences and palm trees? Scorpion condos.
- As the city expands, urban sprawl pushes into their territory, so they adapt, often by crawling into homes.
Scorpions are resilient. They can go without food for months, slip through cracks the width of a credit card, and climb walls like tiny desert ninjas. If you’re in the wrong neighborhood, you’re likely to meet one. Or five.
Top 5 Scorpion Hotspot Neighborhoods in Phoenix
If you live in or near these neighborhoods, brace yourself. Better yet, scorpion-proof your space.
1. Ahwatukee Foothills
Tucked along South Mountain, this area is beautiful and quiet, but that rocky terrain? Ideal scorpion habitat. With many older homes and walls that have aged a bit, it’s a playground for pests. Night walks with a blacklight here can be downright disturbing.
2. North Scottsdale
High-end homes, manicured desert landscaping, and spacious yards. Sounds perfect, right? For scorpions, too. All those palm trees and rocky landscaping create little shady hideouts they love.
3. Desert Ridge
A newer area growing fast but still bordering plenty of wild terrain. Backyard pools and water features can attract crickets aka scorpion snacks. Where there’s food, there’s always something hunting.
4. Anthem
Sitting on the northern edge of the metro area, Anthem is practically scorpion-central. The natural desert surroundings and stone-heavy landscaping make it feel like home to more than just homeowners.
5. Arcadia
It’s historic, lush, and trendy but the green yards and old homes create a moist, dark ecosystem under the surface. Scorpions thrive here, especially in crawl spaces and wall voids.
Signs You’re Living in a Scorpion Zone
Not sure if your neighborhood’s on the list? These signs might give you a clue:
- You find molted scorpion exoskeletons in corners, garages, or closets.
- Your pets suddenly act weird near walls or baseboards.
- You’ve gotten up at night to grab water and spotted one in the sink. Yikes.
- Blacklight scanning in the yard reveals glowing pale bodies. (Yep, they fluoresce.)
How to Protect Your Home from Scorpions
Okay, so you’re in a hotspot. Now what? Before you panic and move to Alaska, here’s how you can fight back:
- Seal up entry points: Gaps under doors, cracks in stucco, and unsealed vents are all red carpet entrances.
- Add weather stripping and door sweeps to keep them out.
- Declutter your yard: Firewood, bricks, and even toys can become shady spots.
- Keep pest populations down: No bugs = no dinner for scorpions.
- Use a blacklight for nighttime inspections. Seriously. It works.
You can also try sticky traps inside, but those only tell you where they’re coming from. The real solution? Keep them outside or better yet, away from your property entirely.
When to Call in the Pros
If you’re dealing with more than the occasional scorpion (and let’s be honest, even one can feel like too many), it’s time to call a professional.
Call a local scorpion exterminator if:
- You’ve seen more than a few in a short period.
- You have young kids or pets in the home.
- DIY sprays and traps just aren’t doing the trick.
- You suspect they’re nesting inside walls or crawl spaces.
Phoenix pest control experts often offer specialized scorpion services, blacklight inspections, perimeter sealing, and long-lasting treatment that targets them directly.
Scorpion Infestation in North Scottsdale
“Just moved to North Scottsdale 4 weeks ago. Since then, we’ve had over 15 scorpions in the house. We started pest control and most that have come in are dead or close to it. Also have diatomaceous earth around the perimeter. Wife and I have been going out every night and killing 5-6 on average per night. The first night we killed 15. The house is not a new construction, but it has been pretty unoccupied for the last couple of years. The yard was a mess but we cleaned it up on day 2 of ownership.
We have two toddlers under 3 and we are worried about them getting stung. We’ve seen one alive in their room the first week of living here. We’re planning on getting the house interior sealed. Lived in AZ my whole life and the first time I have ever seen a scorpion was 4 weeks ago LOL…I just want to know if this is really what I have to deal with the whole time we live in this house?”
Seen one too many scorpions? Don’t wait for a sting.
Living in Phoenix means living for desert adventures. But scorpions? Definitely not one of them. Luckily, knowing where they like to hang outand how to fight back can keep you several steps ahead. Whether you’re in Ahwatukee, Arcadia, or Anthem, you don’t have to just live with it. Arm yourself with the right info and take action. Schedule your scorpion inspection now and kick these pests to the curb.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time of year are scorpions most active in Phoenix?
Scorpions can be so much more active during warmer months. That is usually from March to October, but not only in summer. Mild winters can also keep them active because they seek shelter indoors.
2. Which Phoenix neighborhoods have the worst scorpion problems?
The Phoenix neighborhoods with rising scorpion problems are Ahwatukee, Ahwatukee Foothills, North Scottsdale, Desert Ridge, Anthem, and Arcadia. They are considered scorpion hotspots,
3. Why are bark scorpions so common in Phoenix?
Bark scorpions are so common in Phoenix because of the desert climate. They also prefer abundant hiding places such as palm trees, block walls, and older buildings.
4. How dangerous are bark scorpions?
Bark scorpions are really dangerous because they are venomous. Their stings are painful and can be fatal for children, the elderly, or people with allergies. The rare symptoms of scorpion stings are numbness, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
5. What attracts scorpions to my home?
Scorpions are mainly attracted by shelter and food. If you have crickets, roaches, or other insects, you’re providing dinner. Dark, moist hiding spots like under rocks, firewood, or in cluttered garages are also inviting to them.
6. How can I tell if my home has a scorpion infestation?
Signs include:
- Seeing multiple scorpions within a few weeks
- Finding molted exoskeletons
- Nighttime activity under UV/blacklight
- Pets behaving strangely near certain spots
7. Do scorpions glow under blacklight?
Yes! When you use a UV light to find them, they fluoresce a bright blue-green color. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to detect their presence at your house at night.
8. Can scorpions get inside new homes too?
Absolutely. Especially if your house is newly built and there’s no proper sealing, you’re at risk of scorpions. They are good at finding opportunities through any gaps available.
9. What’s the best way to get rid of scorpions?
The best way to get rid of scorpions is to have scorpion-proofing at home. Sealing any openings can secure your house. Contacting a coal exterminator, together with proofing your home, gives the best pest prevention.
10. Is DIY scorpion control effective?
DIY methods can be helpful, but they don’t totally eliminate the occurrence of scorpions again. Hiring a professional pest control expert can totally stop the root of infestations at your house.
