Toddlers and Scorpions: A Dangerous Combo in Southwest Homes

In the Arizona desert and across the Southwest, scorpions are just part of life. But when you’ve got toddlers in the house, a stray bark scorpion isn’t just a pest—it’s a serious health threat.

Unlike adults, toddlers are:

• Closer to the floor where scorpions crawl
• Constantly putting hands and objects in their mouths
• Too young to recognize or avoid danger

If you’re raising little ones in places like Tucson, Phoenix, or Las Cruces, your scorpion-proofing strategy needs to go beyond the usual steps. Here’s how to tailor your home to keep both scorpions—and toddler fingers—out of trouble.

1. Secure Cribs and Toddler Beds

Scorpions are excellent climbers. They’ve been known to scale walls and even bedding to reach sleeping children.

Try this:

• Pull cribs and beds 3–6 inches away from walls
• Use sticky traps at floor corners near sleeping areas
• Place glass or metal risers under crib legs (scorpions can’t climb smooth surfaces)

Also: avoid letting blankets drape to the floor—scorpions can use them as a ramp.

2. Inspect Toys, Especially Plush and Stored Ones

Scorpions love dark, undisturbed places. That bin of stuffed animals or the toy kitchen in the corner? Prime real estate for a bark scorpion.

Toddler-safe tip:

• Shake out plush toys before giving them to your child
• Keep bins off the floor and closed tightly
• Clean up scattered toys each night, especially in low-traffic rooms

3. Nighttime UV Monitoring

Scorpions are nocturnal, and most toddler stings happen at night or early morning. A crawling child in pajamas or a diaper has almost no protection from a sting. Plug in a Scorpion Detector in your child’s room or hallway. These smart devices automatically scan the floor with UV light and take photos if a scorpion is detected—then alert you via your phone. It’s like a nightlight with a mission.

4. Toddler-Proof the Entry Points

You’re probably already using outlet covers and cabinet locks—but add these scorpion-specific upgrades:

• Use door sweeps that touch the ground, even on interior doors
• Install weather stripping on all exterior doors and windows
• Seal wall gaps around plumbing under sinks with caulk or foam

Scorpions often enter through tiny gaps you’d never notice—but that a toddler might find first.

5. Keep Floors Bare and Clear at Night

Carpet may feel soft, but it’s harder to inspect. In known scorpion zones, bare floors are safer and easier to monitor. Avoid leaving:

• Laundry piles
• Diaper bags
• Shoes or plush toys on the ground overnight

Scorpions don’t just “visit” homes—they settle into cluttered corners. Keep those floors as clear as possible after bedtime.

6. Train Early, Even If They Don’t Understand Yet

Even very young toddlers can start to recognize visual cues. Show them (gently) what a scorpion looks like—using pictures or toys—and teach them to avoid it.

Use phrases like:

• “No touch!”
• “Owie bug!”
• “Tell mommy!”
  

It won’t stop every danger, but early awareness can make a big difference as they grow.

Final Thought

When it comes to toddlers and scorpions, prevention needs to be thorough and toddler-specific. That means elevating sleep areas, decluttering play zones, sealing tight, and using tech tools that help you monitor what you can’t see.

Your little ones are just a few inches off the ground. Make sure what’s crawling around down there isn’t a threat.