Finding a baby scorpion inside your Arizona home can be a bit of an unwelcome surprise—not only are they creepy to encounter, but these tiny arachnids can deliver quite a painful sting. Even worse, spotting one baby scorpion might hint at a larger infestation. So, what’s the best course of action if you come face-to-face with one of these miniature menaces? Read on to learn exactly what to do! We serve the entire Phoenix area from our offices in Gilbert and Phoenix, including Scottsdale, Mesa, and Peoria. Contact us for a free estimate!

Spotting a Baby Scorpion: What to Look For

Arizona hosts several scorpion species, so baby scorpions, or “scorplings,” can vary slightly in appearance. Typically, they’re a pale tan or translucent color, closely resembling adult scorpions—just a lot smaller! Usually less than an inch long, their small size makes them tricky to spot as they blend easily into flooring and corners. Fun fact: Baby scorpions won’t glow under black lights until after their first molt and venture out on their own.

Life as a Baby Scorpion

Born in live litters that can number up to 100 (though typically closer to 25), these tiny creatures spend their initial weeks riding safely on their mother’s back. They don’t eat or drink until after their first molt, and scorpions grow very slowly, often living between 4 and 25 years.

Are They Really That Dangerous?

While there’s a popular myth that baby scorpions are more venomous than adults, this isn’t entirely accurate. Baby scorpions can’t control the amount of venom they inject, meaning they give you everything they’ve got—but adult scorpions can control their venom release, sometimes even delivering “dry” stings without venom. Fortunately, most Arizona scorpions have a sting comparable to a bee or wasp—painful but rarely life-threatening. Still, young children and older adults are more sensitive and should exercise caution. 

Found a Baby Scorpion? Here’s Exactly What to Do:

1. Stay Calm and Don’t Provoke: Most pests, including scorpions, only attack when threatened. Avoid sudden movements. Keep your cool and you’ll remove the scorpion without incident.

• Use a Tool…Don’t Pick It Up: Sweep the baby scorpion gently into a container using a broom or long-handled object. Pro Tip: Scorpions can’t climb smooth glass surfaces. Never try to handle scorpions with bare hands.

2. Safely Relocate: Once contained, take the scorpion outdoors and release it at a safe distance from your home. If a more permanent solution is preferrable, a thick sole shoe typically gets the job done. 

3. Check for Infestations: Discovering a baby scorpion can signal a bigger problem. Inspect your home carefully, focusing on dark, quiet spaces like closets, garages, boxes, and outdoor areas under flowerpots or rocks. Using a black light to inspect makes scorpions light up like neon signs in a dark alley.

4. Implement Prevention: Protect your home by sealing cracks and openings, trimming foliage away from your home, eliminating standing water, and removing debris that scorpions might find inviting.

Why Do Baby Scorpions Enter Homes?

Scorpions usually venture indoors in pursuit of food, water, or shelter. They hunt bugs like crickets, beetles, and wasps, which might also be frequenting your home. Water sources, such as leaky pipes and drains, also attract these pests, as do dark hiding places like garages and closets.

Final Thoughts

While encountering a baby scorpion can feel alarming, taking swift and informed actions can resolve the situation safely. If you’re concerned about infestation or want to ensure your home remains pest-free, contacting a professional pest control service like Blue Sky Pest Control can offer lasting peace of mind. Our expert team is ready to tackle your pest problems with proven strategies tailored to your specific needs.