Comparing Scorpion Control Methods: Professional vs. DIY
Scorpions are more than just an occasional nuisance in Southern Arizona—they're a real concern for families living in and around Tucson and Phoenix. These pests thrive in our desert climate; without the right prevention strategy, they can easily find their way into your home. At Northwest Exterminating, we specialize in professional scorpion control, and we know that while many homeowners attempt their own solutions, there’s a significant difference between DIY efforts and a comprehensive, professionally implemented plan.

Why Scorpion Control Is Essential in Arizona
Living in the Sonoran Desert means learning to coexist with unique wildlife, but scorpions don’t make good neighbors. Bark scorpions, the most common and concerning species in Arizona, are known for their painful stings and ability to hide in small, shaded crevices during the day.
In peak season, which typically runs from late spring through early fall, we see a surge in calls for scorpion activity. These pests are nocturnal, reclusive, and incredibly resilient, which makes early prevention and long-term control a priority for homeowners throughout the region.
What Most DIY Scorpion Control Methods Involve
Many homeowners start with DIY tactics when they first notice scorpion activity. While these efforts are well-intentioned, they often fall short of addressing the problem at its source.
Common DIY methods include:
- Sealing visible cracks with caulk
- Placing glue boards in garages or closets
- Applying store-bought insecticides around the base of the home
- Removing yard debris or overgrown plants
These techniques might help reduce sightings temporarily, but they rarely prevent scorpions from returning or nesting in hard-to-reach areas. One of the biggest challenges is that scorpions can enter through openings as small as 1/16 of an inch. Unless every potential entry point is sealed correctly—and maintained over time—DIY exclusion methods won’t offer lasting results.
The Limitations of DIY Scorpion Control
There’s nothing wrong with being proactive, but it’s important to understand the limits of do-it-yourself scorpion control. Most over-the-counter products are not formulated or applied in a way that targets the specific habits of bark scorpions. Even thorough sealing efforts often miss the fine details—vents, weep holes, and utility access points—that professionals are trained to identify and address.
In our experience, homeowners who rely on DIY methods alone often encounter recurring issues, which increases their long-term frustration and costs.
How Northwest Exterminating Approaches Scorpion Control
We offer two core solutions to provide lasting protection: our Desert Guard exclusion program and home pest control services. Both are designed specifically for Arizona’s climate and the pests that thrive here, especially scorpions.
The Desert Guard Program
Desert Guard is a comprehensive scorpion and rodent exclusion service. It starts with a detailed inspection of your property, identifying all the small cracks, gaps, and access points scorpions could use. From there, our team installs a protective barrier using a combination of materials like:
- Weather stripping
- Caulking and sealants
- Mesh screening over vents and weep holes
- Custom-fitted door sweeps and garage thresholds
- Structural modifications when necessary
Every Desert Guard installation includes quality assurance checks and follow-up evaluations. The program is backed by a one-year warranty and is designed to deliver long-term prevention—something no DIY method can replicate. You can learn more about this service on our Desert Guard page.
Home Pest Control Plans
Our home pest control plans provide an added layer of defense. These include quarterly services to maintain protective barriers, identify any new pest activity, and apply targeted treatments when needed. Scorpions are included in these plans, and our technicians are trained to address both exterior harborage and interior concerns.
We offer multiple plan tiers—Defense, SmartDefense, and SmartDefense Complete—allowing homeowners to choose the level of service that best fits their needs. Explore our options on the home pest control page.
What You Can Still Do at Home
While we strongly recommend professional service for full control, there are a few things you can do to support our efforts and reduce scorpion activity around your home:
- Keep trees, shrubs, and woodpiles away from your foundation
- Eliminate moisture build-up around spigots or HVAC units
- Maintain door and window screens
- Reduce clutter and storage near exterior walls
These steps can help minimize harborage areas and make your home less attractive to pests. Combined with Desert Guard and a pest control plan, they offer a well-rounded defense.
Why Homeowners Trust Northwest Exterminating
We’ve been serving Arizona communities for decades, and we understand the unique challenges that come with desert living. Scorpions are just one of the many pests we’re equipped to manage. We’ve built our reputation on honest service, proven methods, and long-term customer relationships.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Deep knowledge of Arizona pests and desert home construction
- Local technicians trained in exclusion and treatment
- Reliable scheduling and customer support
- 2,000+ customer reviews and a 4.4-star average rating
- Trusted Desert Guard and SmartDefense programs
Ready to Take Control of Scorpions?
If you’re tired of finding scorpions indoors or want to take proactive steps before the season peaks, now is the time to act. Contact us to schedule your Desert Guard inspection or to ask about our home pest control plans. We’ll walk you through the process and build a solution tailored to your home.
Final Thoughts on Professional Scorpion Control in Tucson
When it comes to scorpions, prevention is far more effective than reaction. DIY methods may provide short-term relief, but can’t match the results of a professionally installed barrier and ongoing monitoring. For long-lasting protection and peace of mind, trust professional scorpion controlfrom Northwest Exterminating.
We're here to help you reclaim your home—one secure entry point at a time. Contact us today to schedule your inspection or learn more about how Desert Guard can help protect your home from scorpions year-round.

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Northwest Exterminating provides pest control services in the Phoenix metro and Tucson, as well as throughout Southern Arizona, that target pests found in our region's unique desert environment. We promise personalized service and state-of-the-art techniques for all your exterminating needs.
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