Arizona Scorpion Response Guide
How to Kill a Scorpion
Safe Removal, Traps, Direct Treatment & What to Do Next
If a scorpion is in front of you, the priority is to avoid bare-hand contact and choose a method that allows you to maintain distance. Depending on the situation, you may be able to capture and remove it, use a sticky trap, or apply a product labeled for scorpions according to its directions.
Quick Answer
What Is the Safest Way to Kill a Scorpion?
Avoid touching a scorpion with bare hands. If it can be done without getting close enough to be stung, you may be able to capture it with a container and stiff card, use a sticky trap, or apply an insecticide specifically labeled for scorpions according to the product directions. After the scorpion is removed, note where it was found and inspect nearby entry points and hiding areas.
Safety First
What to Do Before Approaching a Scorpion
A scorpion can sting when threatened or handled, so maintaining distance matters. Before trying to remove or kill one, make sure you have adequate lighting, closed-toe shoes and a clear path away from the scorpion.
Option 1
Capture the Scorpion With a Container
If the scorpion is in an open area and you can maintain a safe distance, a rigid container and stiff piece of cardboard can sometimes be used to contain it without touching it.
Place a rigid container over the scorpion without putting your hands close to the animal.
Use stiff cardboard or another rigid flat material to close the opening beneath the container.
Keep the container closed and avoid direct contact while deciding how to dispose of or relocate the scorpion.
Option 2
Can Sticky Traps Catch Scorpions?
Sticky traps can capture scorpions that move across them and may also help show where activity is occurring. They are generally most useful when placed along walls or in areas where scorpions have already been seen.
A trap should not be treated as a complete scorpion-control strategy. Its greatest value may be capturing an individual scorpion and helping identify travel areas inside a structure.
Option 3
Using a Product Labeled for Scorpions
Some household pest-control products are labeled for direct use against scorpions. If you choose to use one, read the product label before application and follow its directions for placement, distance, ventilation, preparation and re-entry.
Avoid assuming that a product intended for one type of pest is automatically appropriate for scorpions. The product label determines where and how it may be used.
Avoid Unnecessary Risk
What Not to Do When You Find a Scorpion
Do Not Grab It
Avoid touching or picking up a live scorpion with bare hands.
Do Not Reach Blindly
Avoid reaching beneath furniture, boxes or other hiding places when you cannot see where the scorpion has moved.
Do Not Mix Products
Do not combine pest-control products or apply them in ways that are inconsistent with their labels.
What to Do Next
What Should You Do After Finding a Scorpion?
Removing the individual scorpion solves the immediate problem, but the location where it was found can provide useful clues. Take a few minutes to inspect the surrounding area before assuming the issue is finished.
Is There a Bigger Problem?
Does One Scorpion Mean You Have an Infestation?
Not necessarily. One scorpion may enter through an accessible opening or move indoors while searching for shelter or prey.
Repeated sightings, scorpions appearing in multiple areas, or several scorpions found during nighttime exterior inspection provide more reason to evaluate entry points, harborage and activity around the property.
Arizona Species
Use Extra Caution Around Arizona Bark Scorpions
The Arizona bark scorpion is the species of greatest medical concern in Arizona. If you are uncertain which species you are dealing with, avoid handling it directly.
If someone is stung, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for case-specific guidance. Seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms or a medical emergency.
More Than One Scorpion?
Killing One Scorpion and Solving a Recurring Problem Are Different Goals
This guide focuses on what to do when an individual scorpion is in front of you. If scorpions continue appearing indoors or you are finding activity around several parts of the property, a broader approach may be needed.
Scorpion Removal FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Killing or Removing Scorpions
Can I pick up a scorpion with gloves?
Will a sticky trap kill a scorpion?
Can I spray a scorpion directly?
What should I do if the scorpion disappears under furniture?
Does killing one scorpion solve the problem?
What should I do if someone is stung?
Arizona Scorpion Resources
Learn More About Scorpions
Use these related guides for prevention, recurring indoor activity, Arizona species and professional scorpion service.
Seeing More Than One Scorpion?
Get Clear Answers About Recurring Scorpion Activity
If scorpions continue appearing indoors or you are finding activity in several areas of the property, a professional evaluation can help identify entry conditions, prey insects, harborage and practical next steps.
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