Staying Scorpion-Safe Away from Home

If you’re visiting the Southwest—whether it’s a weekend in Sedona, a work trip to Las Vegas, or a family stay in Tucson—you’re probably thinking about sunscreen, not scorpions. But in scorpion country, it pays to give your hotel room or Airbnb a quick once-over before you unpack.

While scorpions are more common in homes, they absolutely can show up in short-term rentals, ground-floor hotel rooms, and casitas—especially in older buildings or those near desert landscaping.

Here’s how to check a room for scorpions and avoid any sting-in-the-night surprises.

Step 1: Turn Off the Lights and Use a UV Flashlight

Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light. That’s not a myth—it’s one of the most reliable ways to spot them.

What to do:

• Bring a small UV flashlight (they’re cheap, compact, and fit in a carry-on)
• Turn off the room lights at night
• Scan baseboards, under beds, behind curtains, and in the bathroom
  

If a scorpion is there, you’ll see it light up pale blue-green, even if it’s tucked in a corner.

Step 2: Check These Hotspots First

Scorpions are nocturnal and love tight, dark places. Focus your inspection on:

• Under and behind beds
• Shoes left on the floor
• Inside bathroom cabinets and around drains
• Closets with stored towels or bedding
• Any wall gaps or vents near the floor
  

If you’re in an Airbnb, scan under outdoor furniture cushions and inside laundry rooms or garages, if accessible.

Step 3: Inspect Your Bedding and Luggage

Scorpions may crawl into warm or undisturbed spaces—especially if cleaning standards aren’t great.

Before getting into bed:

• Lift the sheets and shake out blankets
• Pull the mattress slightly from the wall
• Avoid leaving your suitcase open on the floor—use a luggage rack or a high shelf

Step 4: Close Up Nighttime Entry Points

Scorpions are sneaky and can wander in even after you’ve settled. Before bed:

• Stuff a towel at the bottom of exterior doors
• Close bathroom drains and sink stoppers
• Make sure window screens are intact and shut
  

This is especially important in desert or rural Airbnb properties that may not be sealed as tightly as commercial hotels.

Step 5: Know What to Do If You See One

Don’t panic. If you find a scorpion:

• Trap it under a glass or cup
• Don’t try to grab it or squish it (they’re fast and can sting through thin fabric)
• Contact the host or front desk and ask for another room—ideally not adjacent to the one you’re in

Bonus Tip: Stay Off the Ground

In scorpion-prone areas:

• Don’t sleep on the floor or on a mattress without a frame
• Keep clothing, towels, and shoes off the ground
• Shake everything out before use—especially in the morning

Final Thought

A few quick checks when you arrive can mean the difference between a peaceful night and an ER visit. Scorpions are rarely aggressive, but in an unfamiliar space, it’s smart to be cautious—especially with kids or older travelers.

Bring a UV flashlight. Stay alert. And you’ll sleep just fine.

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