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How Fast Can Scorpions Move?

May 31, 2025

scorpion running

If you've ever flipped on a light and seen something scuttle under the couch, you know that scorpions can move disturbingly fast. But just how fast are we talking?

Scorpion Speed in the Real World

Most scorpions move at a walking pace of about 3 to 4 mph. That might not sound impressive until you realize that on their scale, it's like sprinting. When threatened, some species can dash even faster in short bursts—close to 8 to 10 mph.

That’s fast enough to cross a room in a few seconds. Especially in the dark, their quick movements can catch homeowners off guard.

Why Speed Matters in Scorpion Detection

Scorpions don’t just sit still waiting to be spotted. They're nocturnal hunters and like to stay hidden. Their quick, erratic movements make it hard to find them by sight alone—especially with a flashlight at 2 AM.

That’s where our Detectors come in. They scan for the faint green glow that scorpions give off under UV light, taking photos every second once it's dark enough. Even if a scorpion is only in frame for a moment, our system can catch it and alert you.

Where They’re Fastest

Scorpions tend to move fastest on smooth indoor surfaces like tile or hardwood. In Tucson homes, for example, they’ll often dart across kitchen floors or bathrooms, drawn to moisture. Outdoors, rocky or sandy terrain slows them down a bit.

Quick Tips to Limit Their Movement

The less hiding space and moisture they find, the less likely they are to stick around—or dart across your floor when you least expect it.

Scorpions might be fast, but they’re not faster than a well-placed Detector. Set yours up in scorpion-prone areas like garages, bathrooms, and under sinks to catch them in action before they become a real problem.

Hear What Our Customers Are Saying About Using Scorpion Alert

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Our 1 year old got stung in a room we never would have expected to find a scorpion. We ordered 5 scorpion detectors the next day.

El Paso, Texas

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We haven’t come across a scorpion in our house unexpectedly since we started using this.

Queen Creek, Arizona

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We got 2 alerts our first week! These things really work, what a good idea, so easy to use. Much better than sticky traps, thank you so much!

Austin, Texas

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are scorpions in Arizona and Texas dangerous?

Most scorpions aren’t deadly, but the Arizona bark scorpion, which is found in multiple states across the Southwest, can cause intense pain, numbness, and even breathing difficulties—especially for children and pets. Read more about the dangers associated with scorpions:

What is the largest scorpion species?

The giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus swammerdami) from India can reach up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length, making it the world's largest.

How many species of scorpions are there?

There are over 2,500 described species of scorpions, divided into about 22 families, with new ones still being discovered through genomic studies.