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Scorpions in San Antonio: Where They Hide and How to Keep Them Out

Why scorpions show up in San Antonio homes, where they hide, what to do about a sting, and practical steps to keep them outside.

By Time's Up Pest Control. Published 2026-10-22.

Key Takeaways

  • The striped bark scorpion is the species San Antonio homeowners see most.
  • Scorpions hide under rocks, wood piles, landscape edging and debris during the day and hunt at night.
  • Sealing gaps and controlling the insects they eat is the best long-term protection.
  • Most stings are painful but not dangerous. Young children, older adults and anyone with a strong reaction should get medical care.

Finding a scorpion in the bathtub or on a shoe is an unwelcome surprise, but in San Antonio it isn't unusual. Scorpions are common across Central and South Texas. Knowing where they come from makes them much easier to keep out.

The Scorpion You're Most Likely to See

The striped bark scorpion is the most common scorpion in Texas. It's about two to three inches long, tan to yellowish, with two dark stripes down its back. It's a good climber, so it can end up on walls, ceilings and in attics, not just on the floor.

Where Scorpions Hide

Scorpions avoid the daytime heat and come out at night to hunt. Around a home they hide in:

  • Rock borders, stacked stone and landscape edging
  • Firewood piles and lumber
  • Thick mulch, leaf litter and ground cover
  • Gaps in brick, weep holes and siding
  • Garages, sheds and storage boxes
  • Attics, especially in hot weather

Why They Come Inside

Scorpions come in looking for food, water and shelter. They eat crickets, roaches and other insects, so a home with insect activity attracts them. Hot, dry spells and heavy rain both drive them to move. They squeeze through surprisingly small gaps under doors, around pipes and through unscreened weep holes.

How to Keep Scorpions Out

  1. Seal entry points. Install door sweeps, replace worn weatherstripping and caulk gaps around pipes, wires and windows.
  2. Clear hiding spots. Move firewood, rocks and debris away from the foundation. Keep mulch thin near the house.
  3. Cut off their food. Controlling crickets, roaches and other insects makes your home less attractive. A prevention plan handles this year-round.
  4. Trim plants and trees so branches don't touch the roof, which gives scorpions a path to the attic.
  5. Shake out shoes, gloves and towels, and pull beds slightly away from the wall so bedding doesn't touch the floor.

A Helpful Trick: Black Light

Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light. Walking your yard and garage with a UV flashlight after dark is an easy way to see where they're living.

If Someone Gets Stung

A bark scorpion sting usually causes sharp pain, tingling and swelling that fade over a day or so. Clean the area and use a cold compress. Get medical help right away for young children, older adults, or anyone with trouble breathing, widespread numbness, muscle twitching or signs of an allergic reaction. You can also call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

How Time's Up Pest Control Can Help

Scorpions are hard to control with store-bought products alone. Time's Up Pest Control treats the perimeter and hiding areas, cuts down the insects scorpions feed on and points out entry points to seal. See our pest control services, or call for a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are scorpions in San Antonio dangerous?

The striped bark scorpion's sting is painful but rarely dangerous for healthy adults. Children, older adults and anyone with a severe reaction should get medical care.

Why do I find scorpions in my bathtub?

Scorpions climb in looking for moisture and then can't climb the smooth sides to get out.

Can pest control get rid of scorpions?

Professional treatment of the perimeter and hiding areas, combined with sealing gaps and controlling the insects they eat, greatly reduces scorpion activity.

Contact Time's Up Pest Control

Time's Up Pest Control is a family-owned San Antonio pest control company serving homes and businesses. Licensed technicians (TPCL #877175), free estimates, satisfaction guarantee and 24/7 emergency service.

Phone: (210) 868-2267

Email: info@timesupbugs.com

Address: 1800 NE Interstate 410 Loop, Suite 216-B, San Antonio, TX 78209

Services: Pest Control, Termite Control, Pest Prevention, Commercial Pest Control