Scorpions are part of life in the Phoenix area, especially in the hot summer season. However, increased scorpion activity can also occur with cooler nights as we head into winter. It’s important to understand how and why scorpions move during these peak times and what you can do as a homeowner to reduce encounters, protect your home, and keep your family safe.
And if you do experience a scorpion invasion in your home or yard, make a call to a trusted pest control company in Phoenix to get rid of them immediately.
Cooler Nights = Increased Scorpion Behavior
Scorpions are ectothermic, meaning external temperatures heavily influence their activity. These arachnids are most active when nighttime temperatures rise above 70°F. In fall and winter, scorpions may emerge from their hiding spots to hunt or find mates if temperatures are warm enough.
Even with a significant cool-down, scorpions don’t simply disappear. According to the University of Arizona, the Arizona bark scorpion is the only social scorpion found in urban areas in large numbers, typically overwintering in wall voids and hollow structures bordering homes. This allows them to remain hidden in groups, posing a threat when activity increases again.
Scorpions can wake up earlier during warmer winter nights, especially when nighttime lows remain higher than average. As temperatures draw them out of winter retreats sooner than expected, activity increases as they follow insects and moisture sources indoors in search of food.
These arachnids can flatten their bodies and squeeze through tiny gaps beneath doors, baseboards, or window frames. On cool—but not freezing—nights, they remain active rather than fully hibernating, increasing the risk of indoor encounters.
Where Do Scorpions Hide During Cooler Nights?
As temperatures dip, scorpions commonly shelter in:
- Hollow block walls or foundation crevices
- Gaps around pipes, foundation joints, and expansion cracks
- Attic spaces, wall voids, and ceiling areas
- Accumulated debris such as rock piles, woodpiles, or dense landscaping
These locations allow scorpions to safely endure cooler weather while conserving energy. Once temperatures rise again, they re-emerge.
Increased Risk: What to Watch For
Watch for these warning signs that scorpions may be present around your home:
- Unusually mild nighttime temperatures above 70°F
- Early-season scorpion sightings indoors
- Clusters or “nests” discovered in wall voids during construction or remodeling
- Increased insect activity, as scorpions follow prey such as crickets or spiders
- Small cracks or gaps around your home—even openings as small as 1/16 inch
Steps to Protect Your Home and Family
To minimize scorpion risks during cooler nights:
- Seal cracks, expansion joints, and other small entry points
- Add weather stripping around doors and windows
- Install screens and door sweeps to block narrow gaps
- Keep yard clutter, rock piles, and woodpiles away from your home’s perimeter
- Schedule professional pest control offering year-round scorpion management
Summer may be peak scorpion season in Phoenix, but cooler nights can still draw these arachnids into action. When nighttime temperatures remain warm enough, scorpions stay active, creeping indoors or stirring within hidden winter shelters.
Contact Frontino Pest Co. in Phoenix, AZ
By staying alert, sealing your home, and working with a trusted pest control provider in Phoenix, you can reduce the risk of unwanted scorpion encounters during cooler weather. To schedule a free quote and inspection, contact Frontino Pest Co. at 602-338-9223.
