My Move to Arizona Series | By Debbie Atwood

For Buyers: Debbie Atwood helps Buyers secure the right home at the right price using hyper-local knowledge of the Phoenix Valley and insider access to off-market and coming soon properties.

For Sellers:Debbie Atwood helps Sellers maximize their sale price through strategic pricing, high-end photography, and aggressive professional marketing including digital marketing that reaches qualified buyers fast.

When I moved from Washington to Arizona, I knew life in the desert would be different.

I expected hot summers, beautiful sunsets, palm trees, and maybe a few unfamiliar critters.

What I didn't expect was to find a scorpion IN MY BED!

And let me tell you, that was one Arizona welcome I could have lived without. 😂

Arizona Snowbirds

You Can Get Sick from The Dirt~ Valley Fever

My First Scorpion Encounter

Not long after moving to Arizona, I woke up one morning and decided it was time to wash my bedding.

I pulled back the covers, and there it was.

A big old scorpion, right there in my bed!

I immediately yelled for my daughter, Tomi, who was living with me at the time.

We both stood there staring at it.

"OMG! OMG! What are we going to do? How do we get it out?"

I told Tomi to go get the bug spray while I kept my eyes on our uninvited guest.

There was NO WAY I was letting that thing disappear into my bedroom!

A few moments later, Tomi returned with bug spray in one hand and a metal spatula in the other.

I looked at her.

"What is THAT for?"

I grabbed the spray and proceeded to empty nearly the entire can on the scorpion.

Now, before anyone follows my example, I don't recommend using that much bug spray indoors. I was operating on pure panic at that point!

Then Tomi handed me the spatula like we were performing surgery.

"Scoop it up with this!"

Seriously?

With my crooked, arthritic hands, I wasn't exactly excited about performing scorpion removal with a kitchen utensil.

But it was becoming pretty obvious that Tomi wasn't volunteering for that part of the operation.

So I carefully scooped it up.

And as I did, I told our unwelcome visitor:

"Sorry, buddy, but I'm a little picky about who sleeps with me, and you are NOT it!"

I took it outside and made absolutely certain it wouldn't be returning.

Tomi, I have to admit, was resourceful. She came prepared with the necessary equipment. She just wasn't planning to be the one using it! 😂

Arizona Monsoon Season ~ What I wish I knew before Moving Here

Did I Sleep in My Bed Again?

You bet I did!

That very night, in fact.

But I also started a routine that I still follow today.

Every single morning and every single night, I inspect my bed.

I also use white sheets because they're easier to inspect for dark-colored visitors.

And I bought myself a black light flashlight.

Why?

Because scorpions glow under ultraviolet light!

It's one of those things I never knew before moving to Arizona, and it's a surprisingly useful trick when you're trying to spot them.

When Is Scorpion Season in Arizona?

One thing I learned is that scorpions don't necessarily follow the calendar the way we might expect.

They're generally more active during Arizona's warmer months, especially from spring through fall.

As temperatures cool, their activity usually slows. But that doesn't mean they disappear completely.

Scorpions can shelter in protected places, including garages, walls, landscaping, and sometimes inside homes.

So even when we're enjoying our beautiful Arizona fall and winter weather, it's still worth knowing how to reduce the chances of an encounter.

Why Do Scorpions Come Into Arizona Homes?

Scorpions are looking for many of the same things other creatures seek: shelter, moisture, and food.

They may enter through small gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and other openings.

They're also attracted to areas where their prey, including insects, is available.

That means preventing scorpions isn't just about watching for scorpions. It's also about making your home less inviting to the insects they eat.

How to Help Keep Scorpions Out of Your Home

After my experience, I learned a few practical precautions worth considering:

• Seal entry points. Check door sweeps, weatherstripping, window screens, and openings around plumbing.

• Reduce clutter. Avoid leaving piles of boxes, wood, or debris where scorpions can hide.

• Keep landscaping maintained. Move firewood and other stored materials away from the house.

• Control insects. Reducing their food supply can help make the area less attractive to scorpions.

• Shake out shoes and clothing. Especially items that have been sitting on the floor or outdoors.

• Use a UV flashlight carefully. Scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, making them easier to spot at night.

And if you're dealing with repeated scorpion sightings, consider talking with a licensed pest-control professional.

What If You Find a Scorpion?

First, don't do what I did and empty nearly an entire can of bug spray in your bedroom!

Avoid handling a scorpion with your bare hands.

If you can safely isolate it, use an appropriate container and a stiff piece of cardboard, or contact a pest-control professional for help. Follow any pesticide label instructions carefully.

If someone is stung, wash the area, use a cool compress, and contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.

Scorpion stings can be especially concerning for young children, and serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, unusual muscle movements, or difficulty swallowing require immediate medical attention.

Would I Still Recommend Moving to Arizona?

Absolutely!

Finding a scorpion in my bed was certainly memorable, but it hasn't changed how much I enjoy living here.

Arizona has so much to offer, from its beautiful desert scenery and outdoor activities to its sunshine and wonderful communities.

Every place has something you have to get used to.

In Washington, I dealt with plenty of rain and gray skies.

In Arizona, apparently, I have to be a little more selective about who I let into my bedroom! 😂

And after living here for several years, I've learned that understanding the little surprises of desert living is just part of making Arizona feel like home.

That's why I enjoy sharing these stories in my My Move to Arizona series.

Because moving isn't just about finding a house. It's about understanding what life will actually be like once you get there.

And sometimes, that includes learning what to do when a scorpion decides your bed looks more comfortable than the desert.

Now I'm curious: Have you ever found a scorpion in your home? And if so, where was it?

I'd love to hear your story!

Debbie Atwood | Realty ONE Group

📞 425-750-4970

✉️ [email protected]

🌐www.atwoodgrouprealestate.com

Helping you make confident real estate decisions through information, experience, and honest conversations.

Helpful resources

• University of Arizona Cooperative Extension: Scorpion identification, prevention, and management

• Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center: Scorpion sting safety

• Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222