How to Keep Spiders and Scorpions Out During Arizona’s Hottest Months
Arizona summers are famously intense, with temperatures regularly soaring above 110°F. But while you’re cranking up the A/C and avoiding the midday sun, some pests are on the move, especially scorpions and spiders.
At Varsity Pest and Termite Control, we often get the same call from homeowners this time of year: “I found a scorpion in my bathroom!” or “Why are there more spiders in my home now than in the spring?” The answer lies in the behavior of these pests during extreme heat. Fortunately, there are proven ways to prevent them from making your home their summer hideout.
Let’s break down why spiders and scorpions become more active in the heat and what you can do to keep your Arizona home safe.
Why Are Spiders and Scorpions More Active in Summer?
1. They're Escaping the Heat
Scorpions are desert survivors, but even they need a break from Arizona’s hottest days. When temperatures rise, they seek out cooler, shaded areas to avoid dehydration. Your home, with its A/C and dark corners, becomes the perfect refuge.
Spiders behave similarly. Many are opportunistic hunters and will follow prey (like small insects) into your home, especially as summer insect populations spike.
2. They're Nocturnal and Thrive at Night
Scorpions and spiders are both nocturnal, which means summer nights are their prime time. With warm evenings and more insect activity, they come out in full force. Homeowners often first spot them in bathrooms, laundry rooms, or garages, where it’s cooler and water is present.
3. They’re Seeking Water
While Arizona summers are dry, scorpions need moisture to survive. They’re drawn to leaky pipes, standing water, or even pet bowls. If your home has any moisture issues, it becomes even more attractive to them.
Summer Pest Prevention Tips
Keeping your home scorpion- and spider-free requires a combination of exclusion, maintenance, and professional protection. Here are the top strategies we recommend during the hottest months:
1. Seal Up Entry Points
Scorpions can squeeze through tiny gaps, some as small as a credit card edge. Use caulk to seal:
Foundation cracks
Window and door frames
Gaps around plumbing or cable entry points
Garage door edges (install weather stripping or thresholds)
If you can see light coming through, it’s likely big enough for a pest to crawl in.
2. Install Door Sweeps and Screens
Pay special attention to:
Front and back doors
Garage side doors
Pet doors
Make sure window screens are secure and without tears. Scorpions have even been known to climb walls to enter through open windows.
3. Keep Yard Debris Under Control
A messy yard is a scorpion's paradise. Keep your outdoor space clean by:
Removing leaf litter and mulch piles
Storing firewood at least 20 feet from the house and off the ground
Trimming overgrown bushes and tree limbs away from your home’s walls
Switching porch and exterior lights to yellow bug lights to reduce insect attraction
4. Address Moisture Issues
Don’t underestimate how attractive water is to pests. Fix:
Leaky irrigation lines
Dripping outdoor spigots
Standing water in planters or buckets
Inside, use a dehumidifier in laundry rooms or basements if needed.
5. Use a Blacklight for Scorpion Checks
Scorpions glow under UV light, making nighttime inspections easier. Use a blacklight flashlight to check:
Along your home’s foundation
Inside garages and sheds
Around patio furniture and brick walls
If you see one, there are likely more hiding nearby.
6. Schedule Ongoing Pest Control Services
Spiders and scorpions are predators, meaning they’ll stick around as long as there’s a steady food source. Routine professional pest control helps break this cycle by targeting the pests they feed on. With fewer insects to hunt, spiders and scorpions are far less likely to invade your home.
Why DIY Isn’t Enough
While sealing and yard work go a long way, professional pest control is essential during Arizona’s peak pest season. At Varsity Pest and Termite Control, we offer:
Targeted treatments designed for summer pests like bark scorpions and desert spiders
Perimeter barriers that create invisible lines pests won’t cross
Customized service plans based on your home, location, and risk level
Our team knows the local pest patterns and how to treat them effectively, without overdoing it on harsh chemicals.
Stay One Step Ahead
The best way to deal with scorpions and spiders is to prevent them from getting inside in the first place. During Arizona’s hottest months, these pests are looking for shelter; don’t let it be your home. With smart home maintenance and reliable, professional pest control from Varsity, you can enjoy your summer without any unexpected creepy-crawly encounters.
Worried about scorpions or spiders this summer? Call Varsity Pest and Termite Control today for a free inspection and let us help you take back your home.
