Wernex Termite & Pest Control is Southern Utah's scorpion control specialist. Southern Utah homeowners encounter several scorpion species, most commonly the giant desert hairy scorpion. Wernex uses a three-phase approach: UV blacklight detection sweeps to locate active scorpions, targeted barrier applications to eliminate them, and exclusion sealing to close entry points permanently. Same-day emergency service is available. 30+ years of local experience. Call (435) 673-9503 for a free scorpion inspection.
The Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the most venomous scorpion species in the United States. In Utah, the only location Utah State University Extension's scorpion fact sheet gives for this species is Kane County, in the far south of the state. The scorpions St. George homeowners most often encounter are Utah natives — especially the giant desert hairy scorpion — and our protocol treats every species the same way.
Unlike the larger, less dangerous desert hairy scorpion, bark scorpions are small (2–3 inches), straw-colored, and extremely difficult to spot. They're nocturnal, hide in cracks as narrow as a credit card, and can climb vertical surfaces including stucco walls, ceilings, and textured block. They commonly enter homes through gaps around plumbing penetrations, door sweeps, window frames, and utility conduits.
A bark scorpion sting causes immediate, intense pain that can persist for 24–72 hours. Numbness, tingling, and muscle twitching are common. Children under 5 and adults over 65 face the highest risk of severe reactions, which can include difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, and elevated heart rate. Any sting should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Wernex doesn't just spray and leave. Our scorpion program attacks the problem from three angles — detection, elimination, and exclusion — to deliver lasting results.
Scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. Our technicians conduct UV blacklight sweeps of your property — interior and exterior — to locate active scorpions, nesting sites, and travel routes. This tells us exactly where to focus treatment.
We apply targeted barrier sprays and insecticidal dust in cracks, crevices, expansion joints, weep holes, and other scorpion harborage areas. We also treat the perimeter with a residual barrier that eliminates the prey insects scorpions feed on.
The long-term solution. We seal gaps around doors, windows, pipes, vents, and utility penetrations. We address weep holes in block walls and close expansion joints. This keeps scorpions — and other pests — from re-entering your home.
Remove woodpiles, rock stacks, and debris within 20 feet of your home. Keep landscaping trimmed and away from exterior walls.
Fix leaky faucets, adjust irrigation to avoid pooling near the foundation, and ensure proper drainage. Moisture attracts the insects scorpions hunt.
Install door sweeps, seal pipe penetrations, caulk window frames, and cap CMU block walls. Scorpions get through gaps as narrow as 1/16 inch, and most indoor encounters here start at floor level.
Conduct your own UV sweeps after dark using a portable blacklight. Scorpions glow bright blue-green under UV, making them easy to locate on walls, ceilings, and floors.
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in the U.S., but Utah State University Extension's scorpion fact sheet lists one Utah location for it: Kane County. Most scorpions found in St. George homes are other native species with much milder stings — and any scorpion sting on a small child deserves prompt medical attention.
Wernex uses a three-phase scorpion control protocol: (1) UV blacklight detection sweeps to locate active scorpions and nesting areas, (2) targeted barrier sprays and dust applications in cracks, crevices, and entry points, and (3) exclusion sealing of gaps around pipes, doors, windows, and foundation lines to prevent re-entry.
Wernex offers free scorpion inspections. Treatment costs depend on the severity of the infestation and property size. Ongoing quarterly prevention plans are available at competitive rates. Call (435) 673-9503 for a free, no-obligation quote.
Scorpions are active year-round in Southern Utah but peak activity runs from April through October when temperatures are above 70°F. Scorpions seek shelter indoors during extreme heat, making summer the highest-risk period for household encounters.
It depends on the species. Climbing is a bark scorpion trait, and USU documents that species only in Kane County. The giant desert hairy scorpion that Washington County homeowners actually find is a heavy-bodied burrower and a poor climber, so its way in is at floor level — worn garage door sweeps, weep screeds, and gaps around ground-level pipes and vents. That is where Wernex's exclusion sealing concentrates.
Free scorpion inspections, same-day emergency service, and ongoing prevention plans. 30+ years protecting Southern Utah families.