Summary: Scorpions are a threat to curious cats and dogs. This blog explores practical prevention tips, sting signs, and when to notify the vet.
If you live in Texas, you already know the warm months can bring out the creepiest backyard visitors. Scorpions are one of the big ones, and they do not care if your dog is curious or your cat thinks it is a toy.
The good news is that most encounters are preventable. With a few smart habit changes indoors and outside, you can protect pets from scorpions without turning your home into a construction project.
Why Scorpions and Pets End Up in the Same Place
Scorpions are hunters that like tight, dark hiding spots and easy access to food. If your yard has plenty of insects, moisture, and clutter, scorpions have a reason to stick around. If your home has gaps under doors or small cracks along the exterior, they can slip inside and keep hunting.
Pets raise the odds of an encounter because they explore with their nose and paws. Dogs sniff along baseboards, stick their face under patio furniture, and paw at anything that moves. Cats love corners, closets, garages, and the exact kinds of quiet spots scorpions prefer.
Where Scorpions Hide Around Homes with Pets
In many cases, the sting happens because a scorpion got disturbed. Think of the spots your pet likes to nap, dig, or squeeze into. Those same areas are the places scorpions choose when they are trying to stay cool and hidden.
Common hiding spots include bark mulch, stacked firewood, rock borders, stored items in the garage, and clutter near the foundation. Inside, scorpions can end up in laundry rooms, bathrooms, closets, and under furniture, especially if there is an easy entry point. This is why scorpions in homes with pets is not just a desert problem, it is also a home maintenance problem.
If you are seeing scorpions regularly, it usually means the environment is working for them. Reducing their shelter and their food sources is what changes that.
Signs of a Scorpion Sting and What to Do Right Away
Scorpion stings in pets can look mild at first, but some animals have stronger reactions than others. Smaller pets and seniors can feel the effects faster. If your pet was stung, call your veterinarian or an emergency clinic for guidance as soon as you can.
Here are common sting symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden yelp, limping, or guarding a paw
- Intense licking at one spot, swelling, or redness
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth, or facial discomfort
- Restlessness, trembling, or muscle twitching
- Vomiting, weakness, or trouble breathing (urgent)
While you are arranging vet care, keep your pet as calm and still as possible. Limit running around so their heart rate stays lower. If you can safely find the sting site, a cool compress for short intervals may help with swelling, but do not let your pet chew or lick the area.
Avoid home dosing your pet with human medication unless your veterinarian specifically tells you what to give and how much. Different weights and health conditions change what is safe, and guessing is not worth it.
Scorpion Prevention for Pets that Actually Works
If you want fewer close calls, focus on the basics: deny hiding spots, cut down insect activity, and block entry points. This is also the most realistic approach for families who want pet-safe scorpion control because it relies on smart prevention, not heavy indoor spraying.
Start with these practical steps:
- Keep grass trimmed, remove leaf litter, and reduce wood piles and stacked materials near the house
- Shake out pet beds, outdoor blankets, and stored items before bringing them inside
- Keep dog food sealed, clean up crumbs, and manage other insects that scorpions eat
- Fix leaky spigots and reduce standing water where insects breed
- Seal gaps under exterior doors and repair torn window screens
If your pet has a favorite digging spot or a shaded hangout along the fence line, make that area a priority. Move planters and toys away from the foundation, keep mulch thin, and consider switching to less scorpion friendly ground cover in high risk areas.
Inside the house, reduce clutter in closets and laundry rooms, and keep floors along walls easy to inspect. Nighttime is when scorpions are most active, so a quick evening check of common pet zones can help you catch problems early.
When It’s Time to Bring in a Professional
Prevention is powerful, but it is not always enough on its own. If you are seeing scorpions weekly, finding them inside, or dealing with recurring activity in the garage or bedrooms, it is time to get help. Scorpions are tough because they hide well and the real solution often includes controlling the insects they feed on and treating the right harborage areas.
For homeowners in South Texas, getting a local team involved can make the difference between occasional sightings and a repeat problem every season. Romney Pest Control can evaluate where scorpions are entering, where they are hiding, and what conditions are keeping them active, then recommend a plan that fits your home and pets.
If you are ready for ongoing protection, start with Romney’s home pest control services and see service availability for pest control in San Antonio, TX.
Protect Pets From Scorpions with Romney!
You do not have to choose between letting your pets enjoy the yard and worrying about stings. A cleaner perimeter, fewer insect food sources, and a tighter exterior seal go a long way.
If you suspect scorpion activity around your property, take action sooner rather than later. The earlier you cut off shelter and entry points, the easier it is to keep your home comfortable for the whole family. Contact us for a free quote today!
Citations
Drake, M. (Dr.). (n.d.). Scorpion stings in dogs and cats: Signs, risks, and what to do. Drake Center for Veterinary Care. Available at https://www.thedrakecenter.com/services/pets/blog/scorpion-stings-dogs-and-cats-signs-risks-and-what-do (Accessed on January 8, 2026).
Scorpion stings and pets: Keeping your furry friends safe. (2023, November 16). Green Mango Pest Control. Retrieved January 8, 2026, from https://greenmangopest.com/scorpion-stings-and-pets-keeping-your-furry-friends-safe/
Gibeault, S. (Dr.). (2024, March 25). Scorpion stings in dogs: Signs, symptoms, treatments. American Kennel Club. Available at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/scorpion-stings-in-dogs/ (Accessed on January 8, 2026).
Weir, M. (Dr.), Williams, K. (Dr.), & Buzhardt, L. (Dr.). (2024). First aid for insect stings in dogs. VCA Animal Hospitals. Available at https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/first-aid-for-insect-stings-in-dogs (Accessed on January 8, 2026).
