Do Scorpions Hibernate in Arizona? Bark Scorpions in Winter
Short answer: no true hibernation. Bark scorpions slow down from November through March and pack into protected spots like block walls, then come back out when nights warm up.
Do Scorpions Hibernate? What Bark Scorpions Do in a Phoenix Winter
University of Arizona IPM specialists say Arizona bark scorpions are active when night-time temperatures stay above about 70°F, and their activity drops in the cooler months, November through March. In the coldest stretches they gather in protected, undisturbed spaces called hibernacula. So they are resting, not gone, and they are often resting inside or right next to the house.
If someone is stung: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (24 hours), and call 911 for trouble breathing (Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center).
Where Scorpions Go in Winter
- Hollow block walls and wall voids. The University of Arizona says winter remodeling that opens block or building walls often turns up clusters.
- Rock, wood and debris piles against the house.
- Garages and stored boxes, stacked pavers and pool equipment.
- Gaps at doors, eaves, pipes and electrical plates that lead into the walls.
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Signs You Have Scorpions Wintering in Your Home
- A scorpion indoors on a warmer winter night, or in a bathroom, closet or garage.
- Scorpions found while moving stored items, rock or firewood.
- A blacklight check of block walls and the garage that finds any in November through March.
- You had scorpions last summer and nothing was sealed or treated since.
Winter Scorpion Prevention: What to Do Now
These steps come from the University of Arizona's scorpion prevention list:
- Replace worn door sweeps that leave gaps under doors.
- Caulk around roof eaves, pipes and other openings into the walls.
- Stucco and cap hollow block walls so they stop being shelter.
- Keep wood, rock, clutter and debris from building up against the house.
- Keep shoes off the floor, and check bedrooms and bathrooms with a UV light before bed.
Winter Scorpion Control in Phoenix: What the Service Does and Costs
A winter scorpion control visit starts with a UV inspection of block walls, the garage and entry points, treats the foundation, weep screeds and door gaps, and lists the openings to seal while the scorpions are holed up. A one-time diagnostic visit with treatment is $149. The plan is $50/month with treatment every 60 days and free callbacks, so the spring treatment is already scheduled when they come back out. Start a plan the same day and your visit fee covers your first 3 months of the plan. Full-yard Power Spray starts at $125. See pest control cost for every option.
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Scorpions in Winter: Arizona Homeowner Questions
Do scorpions hibernate in Arizona?
Not in the way bears do. University of Arizona IPM specialists say bark scorpion activity drops from November through March, and in the coldest stretches they cluster in protected, undisturbed spots called hibernacula. They are dormant there, not gone, and they come back out as nights warm up.
What temperature is too cold for scorpions?
University of Arizona IPM specialists say bark scorpions are active when nighttime temperatures stay above about 70°F. Below that they slow down and shelter. They survive Phoenix winters easily; cold just keeps them still.
Where do scorpions go in the winter?
Into tight, protected spaces: hollow block walls, wall voids, under rock and debris piles, and stacked materials. The University of Arizona notes people often find clusters of them during winter remodeling or construction that opens block or building walls.
Why did I find a scorpion in my house in winter?
A scorpion sheltering in a wall void or garage can wander on a warmer night or after being disturbed. One in winter is a sign they are living in or right next to the house, which is useful to know before activity picks back up in spring.
Is winter a good time for scorpion control?
Winter is the best time to seal. With scorpions holed up, it is easier to replace door sweeps, caulk gaps, cap block walls and clear debris, the steps the University of Arizona lists for keeping them out. A spring treatment then hits them as they come out of shelter.