Short answer: Scorpions usually get in under doors, through the garage, at the base of stucco walls and around pipes. They turn up in bathrooms because they follow water and can't climb back out of smooth tubs and sinks.
In the bathroom
Bathrooms have water and plumbing gaps. Look at the openings around the pipes under the sink and behind the toilet, the tub's drain area and any exterior vent. A scorpion in the tub most likely fell in and couldn't climb the smooth sides, so it isn't coming from the drain.
In the garage
The garage is the most common way in. Check the rubber seal at the bottom of the garage door and the gaps at its sides, plus the door from the garage into the house. Boxes stored on the floor give scorpions cover right next to that door.
In the bedroom or bed
Bark scorpions climb walls and ceilings, so they can reach upper floors and fall onto beds. Pull beds a few inches off the wall, keep bedding off the floor, and shake out shoes and clothes left on the floor.
What to seal first
- Door sweeps and the garage door seal
- The door between the garage and the house
- Gaps around pipes under sinks and behind toilets
- The weep screed at the base of exterior walls
- Attic and roof vents
Stung? Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for trouble breathing, or if a young child has severe symptoms.
Common questions
Do scorpions come up through drains?
It's uncommon. Scorpions in tubs and sinks usually fell in from a wall or ceiling and couldn't climb out.
Why do I find them more at night?
Bark scorpions hunt at night and hide during the day.