Scorpions are often seen as mysterious creatures, but for many people in the U.S., they are a very real concern. Because of their unusual appearance and painful sting, they are pests you'll want to keep away from your home or business. Learning more about where they live, where they hide, and when they are most active can help reduce unwanted encounters.
Scorpions in the western United States display a range of colors that vary by species and habitat. The Arizona bark scorpion, one of the most recognized species, is typically yellowish-brown or tan, sometimes with darker stripes or markings. The desert hairy scorpion, the largest U.S. species, is generally yellowish with a dark back. Other species range from light tan colours to a darker brown or black. Young scorpions, called nymphs, are generally pale or whitish when born, and usually stay that way for a few months before darkening. Color alone isn’t always enough for scorpion identification, but it can be a helpful detail.
Scorpions have several physical traits that make them easy to identify. Key scorpion characteristics include:
Scorpions are fairly distinctive in appearance, so identifying them can be easy if you know what to look for. However, if you’re unsure or would like clarity on the species and the dangers it poses, you should contact a local technician from Western Exterminator.
Scorpions are most common in the southern and southwestern United States, including Nevada, California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They are especially common in desert environments. They’ve also been spotted farther north, including parts of British Columbia.
Scorpions spend most of their lives hiding in dark, sheltered spaces. Outdoors, they take cover under rocks, logs, and piles of wood or debris. Indoors, they may hide in attics, basements, or crawl spaces if conditions are right. If you live in a part of the country where scorpions are common, it’s worth knowing where you’re likely to encounter them to minimize the chances of being stung.
Scorpions are nighttime hunters. Their diet consists mostly of insects and other small arthropods, though larger species can handle larger food sources. They grab prey with their pincers, sting to immobilize it, then break it down with digestive fluids before eating. What’s left is discarded.
Scorpions give birth to live young. The babies climb onto the mother’s back, where they stay until after their first molt, about a week later. Over time, they molt several more times before reaching adulthood, which can take anywhere from months to a few years. This is an important part of a scorpion’s biology, as molting gets rid of their rigid exoskeleton, which allows them to grow. Adult scorpions can live one to six years or more.
A scorpion sting can be painful and may cause swelling, tingling, or irritation, similar to a bee sting. For some individuals, especially those with allergies, reactions can be more severe. If you’re worried about any symptoms after a bite or sting from any insect or animal, you should seek medical care immediately.
While most scorpions in the U.S. are not considered life-threatening, there are species that can require special attention. The Arizona bark scorpion is found in Arizona, Nevada, California, and parts of New Mexico, and its sting can be more dangerous.
If you’re unsure whether the scorpion you’ve encountered is dangerous, do not interact with it and call your local Western Exterminator branch for expert guidance.
Scorpions are most active at night, which makes it more likely for them to slip indoors unnoticed. They may come inside seeking cooler temperatures or a water source, especially during hot or dry conditions. During the day, they often hide in shoes, folded clothes, or bedding where it’s dark and quiet.
Indoors, sinks, bathtubs, and damp basements can attract them. Outdoors, clutter such as woodpiles, stacked stones, or debris near a home can provide shelter near potential entry points.
Simple steps, such as removing debris to eliminate their hiding spots or vacuuming any scorpions you see, can offer some short-term relief. To eliminate infestations and treat the source, our technicians can inspect your property, provide treatment options, and implement long-term prevention measures. With expert, tailored scorpion control solutions, Western Exterminator can help protect your home from future invasions.
Scorpions are nocturnal and most active during the night. Scorpion behavior like this helps them avoid predators and the heat of the day. They typically hunt for food and move around after sunset until early morning.
Scorpions don’t usually infest in large numbers, but single individuals may slip indoors seeking water or cooler temperatures. Encounters are more common in hot, dry areas where they thrive outdoors. These scorpion facts highlight the importance of sealing entry points and minimizing clutter around buildings.
Scorpions do not build traditional nests like some insects. Instead, they hide under rocks, logs, or debris where it is dark and damp.
Scorpions are most common in the southwest, especially Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and parts of California and Texas. Some species extend farther north into areas like Utah and even parts of Washington. Their range depends on climate, with warmer, drier environments supporting higher populations.
Scorpions are predators that feed on insects, spiders, and other small arthropods. They grab prey with pincers, sting to immobilize it, and use digestive fluids to break it down. This diet allows them to survive long periods without food when resources are scarce.
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