Do Scorpions Hibernate In The Winter? - Arizona Pest Solutions

Scorpions are cold-blooded desert dwellers that thrive in Arizona’s warm climate, but what happens when temperatures drop? Do scorpions hibernate in the winter, or do they disappear until spring?

Let’s explore the truth behind scorpion behavior during colder months, how it affects your home, and what you can do to stay protected year-round.

Table of Contents hide Do Scorpions Come Out in the Winter? When Do Scorpions Hibernate in Arizona? What Temperature Do Scorpions Go Dormant? Are Scorpions Nocturnal? Where Do Scorpions Go in Winter? How Long Do Scorpions Stay Dormant? Winter Scorpion-Proofing Tips The Bottom Line

Do Scorpions Come Out in the Winter?

Scorpions don’t technically hibernate like mammals. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy when temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). In Arizona, where winters are milder, scorpions may remain active indoors or emerge during warm spells.

Outdoors, they retreat into:

• Rock crevices
• Under the tree bark
• Wall voids or block fencing
• Burrows or debris piles

Indoors, they may stay hidden behind baseboards, in attics, garages, and wall gaps — mainly if your home provides warmth and food sources.

When Do Scorpions Hibernate in Arizona?

Scorpion activity slows between late November and February, especially during cold snaps. However, because Arizona winters rarely stay freezing for long, don’t be surprised to spot one mid-winter, particularly indoors, where temperatures stay warm.

Pro Tip: Sealing your home and maintaining routine pest control is the best defense. Scorpions may not hibernate if they’ve already found a cozy indoor shelter.

What Temperature Do Scorpions Go Dormant?

Scorpions typically become inactive when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). They slow their metabolism and seek shelter, but they can re-emerge to hunt or explore if temperatures rise even slightly.

Scorpion Activity by Temperature

Temperature	Scorpion Activity
Above 80°F	Fully active, breeding, hunting
60°F–80°F	Active but slower
50°F–60°F	Sporadic or limited movement
Below 50°F	Dormant or hiding

Are Scorpions Nocturnal?

Yes — scorpions are strictly nocturnal, meaning they hide during the day and hunt at night. In winter, they stay even more hidden due to the cold and lack of prey. If you spot one during the day, it may be a sign of overcrowding or lack of shelter.

Where Do Scorpions Go in Winter?

When it gets cold, scorpions burrow deeper into:

• Rock piles and gravel
• Wall insulation
• Baseboard gaps and attic corners
• Utility boxes or irrigation control boxes
• Outdoor trash bins or sheds

Even without true hibernation, they remain hidden and inactive until favorable conditions return.

How Long Do Scorpions Stay Dormant?

Dormancy duration varies depending on the weather. In colder parts of Arizona, dormancy may last up to 3–4 months. But in areas like Phoenix, they may remain semi-active all winter, especially if they’ve made their way indoors.

Pro Tip: Scorpion season often restarts in March, but early sightings can happen as soon as temperatures reach the 70s.

Winter Scorpion-Proofing Tips

You don’t have to wait for spring to take action. Here are some simple ways to prevent scorpion issues before they start:

• Seal gaps around baseboards, vents, and utility pipes
• Install door sweeps and weather stripping
• Keep outdoor lights dim (insects attract scorpions)
• Trim vegetation away from walls and foundations
• Store firewood off the ground and away from the house
• Schedule preventative pest control treatments in fall and early winter

Pro Tip: Arizona bark scorpions can flatten their bodies to slip through a crack as thin as a credit card — sealing is essential!

The Bottom Line

Scorpions don’t truly hibernate, but they slow down and hide during colder months. In Arizona, this dormancy is short-lived and inconsistent, so you might still see activity in winter, especially inside your home.

If scorpions are sneaking in, don’t wait for spring. Arizona Pest Solutions offers pet-safe, year-round scorpion control across Phoenix and the East Valley.

📞 Call 480-359-9600 or get a free inspection today and enjoy peace of mind — winter, spring, or anytime.