About Scorpions in the East Valley
The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the most venomous scorpion in North America and the most common species found in East Valley homes. They are light tan or yellowish, typically 2 to 3 inches long, and have distinctively slender pincers compared to other scorpion species. One well-known trait is that they glow bright green under UV blacklight, which many homeowners use to spot them at night.
Bark scorpions are nocturnal predators that feed on crickets, roaches, beetles, and other small insects. They can live for several years and reproduce quickly — a single female can give birth to 25 to 35 young at a time. The East Valley’s desert climate, warm nights, and abundant prey make it one of the most scorpion-dense areas in Arizona.
Where Scorpions Hide and How They Get Inside
During the day, scorpions seek out cool, dark, and tight spaces. Outdoors, they hide under rocks, wood piles, palm tree bark, landscaping debris, and outdoor furniture. They are drawn to moisture from irrigation lines, leaky pipes, and air conditioning condensation.
Scorpions are exceptional climbers. They scale stucco, block walls, and even smooth surfaces with ease. They enter homes through tiny cracks around doors, windows, plumbing penetrations, and gaps in the foundation. Once inside, they settle into attics, wall voids, closets, and storage areas. If your home has an existing insect problem — especially crickets or roaches — scorpions are more likely to follow that food source indoors.
When Are Scorpions Most Active in the East Valley?
Scorpions are most active during Arizona's hottest months when they hunt for food and water. Peak activity occurs from May through August when temperatures regularly exceed 100°F. During cooler months, they become less active but remain a year-round threat in East Valley homes as they seek warmth indoors.
How to Get Rid of Scorpions
DIY measures like sealing entry points, clearing debris, and using store-bought barrier sprays can reduce activity, but they rarely solve a scorpion problem on their own. Bark scorpions are resilient and can travel from neighboring properties, so exclusion alone is not enough across the East Valley.
Professional treatment starts with a thorough property inspection to identify harborage areas and entry points. From there, a licensed technician applies commercial-grade barrier treatments to the interior and exterior of your home. These products are far more effective than anything available over the counter, and when paired with ongoing monthly or bi-monthly maintenance, most homeowners see a 95% or greater reduction in scorpion activity within the first few weeks.
