Can scorpions climb walls and get into beds?
Written by the Hydra Pest Control team, Arizona-licensed (license #9790)
Last reviewed:
Short answer
Yes, the Arizona bark scorpion can do both. University of Arizona Extension calls it a proficient climber that can scale walls and cross ceilings, and says scorpions may fall from ceilings into beds, sinks and bathtubs. It is the only common climbing scorpion in the region, but it can't climb glass. Moving beds away from walls, keeping bedding off the floor and checking with a UV light before bed all help.
Arizona context
Whether your home is in the Gila Valley or Sierra Vista, the scorpion that climbs is the one that matters most. University of California IPM says the bark scorpion is found throughout Arizona, and because it can climb slump block walls and stucco, it is the scorpion most likely to get into homes. It needs only a 1/16 inch crack to get inside. University of Arizona Extension says bark scorpions are often found around homes and hollow block perimeter walls, and once inside a wall void they can come out around electrical faceplates and pipe collars.
How to keep scorpions out of your bed
- Move beds and cribs away from the walls
- Keep sheets, blankets and curtains from touching the floor or hanging into the bed, since scorpions can climb fabric
- For a crib or bed, consider setting each leg in a glass jar or bottle. Bark scorpions can't climb glass
- Check bedrooms with a UV flashlight before bedtime
- Keep shoes, towels and clothing off the floor, and shake them out before you use them
- Wear slippers or flip-flops if you get up at night
- Seal entry points: install weather-stripping and tight door sweeps, caulk around pipes and other wall openings, and screen weep holes with coarse steel mesh
- Trim tree branches away from the roof, because they give scorpions a path up
How bark scorpions climb
University of Arizona Extension says the Arizona bark scorpion will cross interior floors, scale walls and traverse ceilings, and that it easily moves across textured walls. The Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center calls it the best climber of the scorpion species.
Most other Arizona scorpions stay low. University of California IPM says the bark scorpion is the only common climbing scorpion, while the Arizona hairy scorpion and the stripedtail scorpion are burrowers, often found under rocks, logs and other surface objects.
Climbing has limits. University of Arizona Health Sciences says bark scorpions can't climb up glass, and University of Arizona Extension notes that scorpions that fall into sinks and bathtubs can get caught there, unable to escape.
How scorpions end up in beds
University of Arizona Extension says scorpions may fall from walls and ceilings and land in beds, sinks, bathtubs and toilet bowls. They can also climb fabric, so University of Arizona Health Sciences advises making sure no curtain or other fabric a scorpion could climb hangs into a bed or crib.
Timing matters too. University of Arizona Extension says most bark scorpion movement happens between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., and between 3 a.m. and sunrise. It also warns against leaving towels and clothing on the floor, because damp towels are extremely attractive to scorpions looking for moisture.
A University of Arizona medical toxicologist notes that some people wake up in the middle of the night with numbness, tingling or burning pain throughout their whole body because they were stung by a scorpion while they slept. If that happens, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
When professional service is warranted
If you find scorpions inside more than once, especially in bedrooms, University of Arizona Extension recommends a pest management professional experienced with scorpions, and it says pest-proofing the home is by far the most effective way to reduce scorpion contact and stings. If anyone is stung, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. University of Arizona Health Sciences says young children and older adults are the most vulnerable to severe symptoms. This is general information, not medical advice.
How Hydra handles it
Our Service Pros look for where scorpions are getting in and hiding around your home and treat those areas. To talk it through, call or text your local office to reach an Office Pro, or ask for a free custom quote.
Frequently asked
Scorpions can't climb walls, right?
False. University of Arizona Extension calls the Arizona bark scorpion a proficient climber that can scale walls, cross ceilings and fall into beds, sinks and bathtubs. University of California IPM says it is the only common climbing scorpion, and that it can climb slump block walls and stucco. Other species, such as the stripedtail scorpion, are burrowers. So some scorpions can't climb walls, but the one most likely to be in your home can.
Can scorpions climb smooth surfaces like glass?
Not glass. University of Arizona Health Sciences says bark scorpions can't climb up glass, and it suggests glass bottles around the legs of a crib or bed. University of Arizona Extension notes that scorpions that fall into sinks and bathtubs can get caught there, unable to escape. Rough surfaces such as textured walls, block and stucco are easy for them.
Why do scorpions end up in beds?
Mostly by climbing and falling. University of Arizona Extension says bark scorpions scale walls and cross ceilings, and they may fall from the ceiling into a bed. They can also climb curtains or bedding that hang into the bed. Most bark scorpion movement happens at night, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. and from 3 a.m. to sunrise, so check the bedroom with a UV flashlight before bed.
What should I do if I'm stung by a scorpion in bed?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. A University of Arizona medical toxicologist says the poison center can talk you through next steps based on your symptoms, that the most common symptom is burning pain at the sting, and that numbness, tingling or pain can spread through the whole body. Young children and older adults are the most vulnerable. Anyone with severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, extra salivation, double vision or trouble coordinating muscles, needs medical attention. This is general information, not medical advice.
Related on this site
Related questions
References
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Scorpions of the Desert Southwest United States (AZ1768)
- University of California IPM: Scorpions Pest Note
- Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center: Scorpions
- University of Arizona Health Sciences: What You Need to Know About Scorpion Stings (Anne-Michelle Ruha, MD)
- Banner Poison and Drug Information Center: Bark Scorpions
Need help with scorpions?
Call or text us, we answer both. Or send us your details and we'll come back with a free custom quote.