Scorpions, often associated with hot, dry climates, do not disappear completely when winter arrives, but their activity drastically changes. As cold-blooded creatures, or ectotherms, their internal body temperature is regulated by the external environment. Colder temperatures force them into a state of severe slowdown. This physiological response makes outdoor sightings rare, leading many people to mistakenly believe the arachnids have died off until spring. They remain resilient, shifting their focus from hunting and reproduction to simply surviving the colder months.
How Temperature Governs Scorpion Activity
Scorpions are entirely reliant on environmental temperature to govern their biological functions. When temperatures drop, typically below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, scorpions begin to enter a state of dormancy known as torpor or diapause. This is not true hibernation, but a temporary suspension of development and activity triggered by unsuitable environmental conditions. The metabolic rate of the scorpion slows significantly, allowing it to conserve energy and survive without food for extended periods.
This physiological change is their primary survival mechanism against the cold. Research shows that a scorpion’s metabolic rate decreases further with temperature drops. The slowdown allows them to endure months of cold weather and food scarcity, as their need for energy is dramatically reduced. While they can tolerate freezing temperatures for a short time, they actively seek shelter to avoid prolonged exposure that would be lethal.
Where Scorpions Go During Cold Weather
To survive the winter, scorpions seek out environments that offer insulation and thermal stability. They retreat into sheltered locations where the temperature remains more consistent than the surface air. Common outdoor refuges include deep burrows, crevices under rocks, thick layers of leaf litter, and beneath the bark of trees. These spots serve as natural buffers against sudden temperature fluctuations.
Some scorpion species, such as the Arizona bark scorpion, aggregate in groups of up to 30 individuals during the winter. This clustering provides an additional layer of protection, allowing them to share warmth and survive cold snaps more effectively. They often nest together in wall voids, under concrete slabs, or within the cracks of block fences, waiting for external temperatures to rise again.
Why You Might See Scorpions Indoors in Winter
The primary reason a person might encounter a scorpion indoors during winter is that the arachnid has successfully sought shelter inside the home. As outdoor temperatures fall, scorpions actively search for warmer, more stable microclimates, often in the late fall or early winter. They are adept at finding entry points, needing an opening only about 1/16th of an inch wide to slip inside a structure.
Once indoors, they settle into secluded spots like wall voids, behind baseboards, in garages, or near plumbing gaps where they can enter their dormant state. These locations provide a steady temperature that prevents the deep metabolic slowdown required for outdoor survival. Scorpions can also be accidentally transported inside on firewood, stored boxes, or landscaping materials that were brought in from the yard or garage.