Risk factors

Certain activities can increase your risk of a scorpion sting:

• Living where scorpions are. In the United States, scorpions mainly live in the desert Southwest, primarily Arizona, New Mexico and parts of California. Worldwide, they're found most often in Mexico, North Africa, South America, the Middle East and India.
• Working, hiking or camping where scorpions are. Bark scorpions live under rocks, logs and tree bark — hence, the name. You're especially likely to encounter one when you're working outside, hiking or camping.
• Traveling where scorpions are. You're more likely to encounter more-dangerous scorpions while traveling in specific parts of the world. And you might bring them home with you, as scorpions can hide in clothing, luggage and shipping containers.