The short answer
Scorpions are part of the desert around St. George. Utah has about nine species, and most of them live in the southern part of the state. They are nocturnal, so most people meet one at night, in a bathroom, on a wall, or in a shoe. Seeing one does not mean your house is dirty.
Which scorpions live here
Utah State University Extension lists the desert hairy scorpion among the species in southwestern Utah. Local news coverage says people in St. George typically run into two or three kinds, including the desert hairy scorpion, the Arizona bark scorpion and the northern scorpion. Utah wildlife sources describe the Arizona bark scorpion as the one species that is potentially harmful to people.
Why they get into houses
USU Extension describes scorpions as transient pests that enter buildings by accident. They hide during the day under boards, in stacked lumber and firewood, in attics and in debris, and they can slip in through very small openings near windows and doors. Bathrooms and laundry rooms attract them because of the water, and so do the insects they hunt.
St. George is also growing. New neighborhoods are being built on former desert, which puts people and desert wildlife closer together.
Are they dangerous?
Most scorpion stings in Utah cause pain, numbness or swelling that fades. Children, older adults and anyone with a strong reaction should get medical advice. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, and call 911 for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing.
What to do when you find one
- Keep kids and pets away and do not pick it up with bare hands.
- Trap it under a jar or cup, slide paper underneath, and take it outside.
- Note where you found it. Bathrooms, garages and entryways are common spots.
- Check shoes, towels and clothing before you use them.
- Look for gaps and hiding spots nearby. Our guide on keeping scorpions out has a full checklist.
When to call for help
If you are finding scorpions repeatedly, have small children or pets, or live at the edge of open desert, treatment can cut the number that reach your home. Learn about our scorpion control in St. George, and see the Ivins and St. George pages for local details.
Where to look for scorpions in your home
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms, especially around drains and baseboards
- Garages, closets and storage areas
- Shoes, towels and clothing left on the floor or outside
- Windowsills, door thresholds and gaps around pipes
- Attics and crawl spaces
A common tip is to look around at night with an ultraviolet flashlight, because scorpions glow under UV light. It can show you where they travel. Do not handle them.
Myths about scorpions
- Only dirty homes get scorpions. They come for shelter, water and prey, not because of housekeeping.
- Every scorpion is deadly. Most scorpions in Utah cause a painful sting at worst, and one species is considered potentially harmful.
- One scorpion means an infestation. A single sighting can be a wanderer. Repeated sightings point to a hiding place nearby that is worth finding.
Questions people ask
Do scorpions come out in winter?
They slow down in cold weather but can shelter in protected spots. See scorpion season in Southern Utah.
Can scorpions climb walls?
Some can climb rough surfaces such as stucco and block, which is one reason gaps higher up on a wall matter too.
Will pest control get rid of them?
Treatment reduces how many get in, and it works best alongside sealing gaps and removing hiding places. No company can promise zero scorpions in the desert.