Scorpions are unwanted and potentially dangerous intruders in your home and garden. These arachnids thrive in warm, dry climates and can pose a serious threat due to their venomous sting.
While a scorpion infestation can be alarming, there are effective strategies to eliminate these pests from your property. This guide will provide you with practical tips and techniques on how to get rid of scorpions from your home and garden, helping you regain peace of mind and safety.
How To Get Rid of Scorpion in House Naturally
If you want to learn how to get rid of scorpion in house naturally, these are some of the methods:
1. Seal Entry Points
If opportunities to enter homes arise, scorpions will take advantage of it and sneak in. They can enter your home through holes in window and door screens, open windows and doors, large gaps underneath doorways, crawl space, gaps surrounding plumbing lines, or secondhand furniture.
That is why you should not overlook these tiny entrances to your home. It would help if you closed off these pathways to prevent scorpions from gaining access and reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
2. Reduce Clutter
Scorpions thrive in dark, hidden spaces where they can stay undisturbed, so piles of newspapers, old clothes, and other clutter create ideal hiding spots. Therefore, reducing clutter can deter scorpions from entering your home.
You can do this by keeping your home tidy and organized to remove these potential hiding spots and make it harder for scorpions to find places to conceal themselves.
Scorpions are repelled by the scents of lavender, cinnamon, peppermint, and cedar, which are found in essential oils. To use this method, identify the areas where scorpions are active, then mix 2 cups of water with 10 to 20 drops of each of these oils.
Spray this solution on the targeted areas and around entry points in your home. However, if pets come into contact with these oils, they could experience health issues such as diarrhea, unsteadiness, or vomiting.
4. Shoes
If you encounter a single scorpion, you can eliminate it by using direct physical methods. Stepping on it is often sufficient to crush its tough exoskeleton. However, you need to be cautious about getting too close, as this could risk a sting.
If you are unsure or prefer a safer approach, using a heavier object from a distance can help you deal with the scorpion while avoiding direct contact.
5. Blunt Objects
You can use a blunt object if you do not want to risk a sting when using shoes. Blunt objects, like a shovel, allow you to avoid direct contact. Keep in mind that some scorpions can flatten their bodies, rendering a strike useless.
Strike it multiple times or use a twisting motion to ensure the scorpion is eliminated. It will stop moving, and its body will be visibly broken once it is dead. This method is ideal for people wondering how do you kill a scorpion.
Scorpions are drawn to light, so reducing it can help keep them away. To minimize their presence, turn off outdoor lights when not needed, as bright lights can lure insects that scorpions feed on. Alternatively, use yellow "bug lights," which are less appealing to scorpions and other insects.
These lights emit a wavelength that does not attract as many bugs, thus reducing the food sources for scorpions and making your home less inviting to them. These simple practices can discourage scorpions from entering your space.
7. Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural substance derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is safe for humans and pets and possesses abrasive properties that inflict microscopic cuts on a scorpion’s exoskeleton once they come into contact with it.
This leads to dehydration and eventual death. For use, sprinkle a light layer of DE in areas prone to scorpion activity, including door thresholds, cracks, crevices, and other potential entry points. DE is also effective at controlling various other insects.
8. Sticky Traps
Although commonly used for small rodents, sticky traps are effective in capturing scorpions. You can put them strategically near water sources, behind or under appliances like fridges and stoves, entry points, garages, bathroom or laundry room cabinets, or any areas where you suspect scorpion activity.
These adhesive traps reduce the scorpion population while monitoring the level and location of scorpion activity. You can buy them from hardware stores or online retailers, and remember to read the instructions on the label carefully before using them.
To manage scorpions effectively, focus on reducing their food sources, which consist mainly of insects. By keeping your home and yard free from other bugs, you decrease the chances of scorpions settling in. Regularly clean up food crumbs, spills, and garbage, and use insecticides or natural repellents to control pests like ants and beetles.
Additionally, eliminate any standing water, which can attract insects. By maintaining a clean environment and reducing available food, you make your home less appealing to scorpions and discourage them from sticking around.
10. Maintain Yard
Scorpions often take shelter under yard debris such as rocks, leaves, sticks, and bark, which also harbor insects they prey on, like termites, beetles, and spiders.
To prevent scorpions from using these areas as hiding spots or pathways into your home, trim bushes and trees away from your house. This will help reduce their hiding places and reduce their food sources.
11. Natural Predators
Using natural predators is an environmentally friendly method to control scorpion populations. Cats have strong hunting instincts and can hunt down scorpions, though there is a risk of stings or injuries.
Additionally, some lizard species, like the Texas horned lizard, feed on scorpions. By creating a welcoming environment for these natural predators in your yard, you can manage scorpion populations sustainably and naturally
How To Get Rid of A Scorpion Chemically
If you are wondering how to get rid of a scorpion chemically, below are some options you could choose from:
Directly spraying insecticide on groups of scorpions can be an effective way to kill them. Applying pesticides to potential scorpion entry points can prevent infestations. It is crucial to choose a scorpion-specific insecticide safe for indoor use and follow the product instructions carefully.
While chemical treatments can eliminate scorpions, they pose certain risks. Consider using non-chemical methods first and only resort to pesticides if necessary. For severe infestations, consider hiring professional pest control to ensure safe and proper chemical application.
13. Boric Acid
Boric acid helps eliminate scorpions by acting as a desiccant and stomach poison. When scorpions come into contact with boric acid, the powder clings to their exoskeleton, causing them to lose moisture and dehydrate over time. This process weakens the scorpion, eventually leading to its death.
Sprinkle it in areas where scorpions are seen or likely to hide, such as in cracks and crevices. Apply a fine, even layer, avoiding piles, which might deter scorpions from crossing. The acid remains active for an extended period, providing ongoing protection.
14. Pesticide Dust
Insecticide dusts are especially useful for targeting difficult-to-reach areas where insects are likely to enter, such as wall voids and attics. This dust powder can be applied to cracks, crevices, around electrical outlets, door and window frames, and other potential entry points.
For large spaces like attics, using specialized insecticide dusters is advisable, as they can hold up to a pound of dust, allowing for quick and thorough coverage. Be sure to follow the product instructions for safe and effective use.
Residual insecticides, which are applied in liquid form, are particularly effective during the warmer months when scorpions are most active. Encapsulated insecticides, which mix easily with water, are a good choice. It is important to apply these insecticides around the perimeter of a building, covering an area 3 to 10 feet from the foundation.
Focus on treating potential entry points such as windows, doors, plumbing areas, and garages. Choose a liquid insecticide that dries clear, has no odor, and offers long-lasting outdoor protection due to its encapsulated formulation.
16. Professional Pest Control
If you are uncomfortable handling scorpions on your own, it is advisable to hire a professional pest control service. Scorpion exterminators can provide customized solutions that fit your specific situation, which may include manual scorpion removal or the application of pesticides.
Keep in mind that while some pesticides might be recommended, their effectiveness against scorpions can vary. Therefore, a professional integrated pest management strategy is often the best approach. Always seek advice from professionals to determine the most suitable method for your needs.
Signs of Scorpions in House
Scorpion Sightings
Seeing a scorpion inside your home is the most obvious sign of an infestation. Scorpions are nocturnal, so you are more likely to spot them during the night or early morning hours when they come out to hunt.
They are generally small, with a segmented body and pincers, and can vary in color from light tan to dark brown. Their presence indoors, especially in unexpected places like under furniture or in corners, indicates they have found a suitable environment.
Increased insect activity can indicate the presence of scorpions because scorpions are predators that feed on other insects. If you notice more bugs, such as cockroaches, ants, or beetles, in your home, it could mean that scorpions are nearby, as they are drawn to areas with abundant prey.
A rise in insect populations may attract scorpions to your home in search of food. Keeping an eye on insect activity can help you identify potential scorpion problems.
Scorpion Droppings
Scorpion droppings are a subtle but telling sign of their presence in your home. These droppings typically appear as small, dark spots or smears. They are found in areas where scorpions are likely to hide, such as corners, along baseboards, or in less frequently disturbed spaces like closets and attics.
They generally contain partially digested insect matter, as scorpions feed on other pests. Identifying these droppings can help you confirm their presence and locate their hiding spots.
Exoskeletons
Scorpions shed their exoskeletons as they grow, a process known as molting. These shed skins, or exoskeletons, can be a sign of scorpions in your home. They appear as small, pale, and often fragile remnants resembling miniature scorpions.
You might find these exoskeletons in areas where scorpions might hide, such as in corners, under furniture, or in storage spaces. The presence of these shed skins also suggests that scorpions are reproducing in the area, so it is a good idea to address the infestation promptly.
Scorpion Tracks
In dusty areas, scorpions can leave faint tracks or trails as they move across surfaces. These tracks are usually not distinct but might appear as disturbed dust or tiny, irregular patterns. The scorpions’ movement can displace dust or dirt, creating a subtle trail that can be a clue to their presence.
Checking these areas regularly, especially in places like attics, basements, or behind furniture, can help you identify if scorpions are frequenting your home. Regular cleaning and monitoring can also help manage and prevent potential scorpion issues.
UV Light Detection
Scorpions have a unique characteristic—they glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. This glow is due to substances in their exoskeleton that react to UV rays. To detect scorpions, you can use a blacklight or UV flashlight in dark areas of your home, such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
Turn off all other lights and slowly scan the area with the blacklight. The scorpions will appear as bright, fluorescent spots against the darker surroundings. This method is effective because scorpions are nocturnal and tend to hide in dark places.
Types of Scorpions
There are several types of scorpions, each with unique characteristics and habitats. Here are a few common ones:
Bark Scorpions (Centruroides spp.)
Bark Scorpions (Centruroides spp.) are primarily found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are 2 to 4 inches long with slender and long bodies. They are active at night and hide in cool, dark places like under bark, rocks, or logs during the day.
They are agile and can climb surfaces, often ending up inside homes. These scorpions are notorious for their potent venom, which can cause severe pain, numbness, and, in rare cases, more serious reactions.
Emperor scorpions (Pandinus imperator) are one of the largest, reaching 8 inches long. They are native to the rainforests of West Africa and have sturdy, black bodies with massive pincers.
Even though they are pretty big, they are usually not aggressive, and their venom is relatively mild, causing only minor irritation like a sting or swelling. These scorpions like humid, tropical places and hide under leaves or logs during the day, coming out at night to hunt for insects.
Hadrurus Scorpions (Hadrurus arizonensis)
Also known as the Arizona hairy scorpion, this species is native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. It has a large, robust body covered in fine sensory hairs that help it detect vibrations and prey. With a length of up to 7 inches, this scorpion is one of the largest in North America.
Its venom, while potent, is not lethal to humans but can cause pain and swelling. The Hadrurus scorpion is adapted to survive in arid environments, often hiding in burrows or under rocks.
Striped Tail Scorpions (Vaejovis spp.)
Striped tail scorpions, belonging to the genus Vaejovis, are commonly found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. They are characterized by their distinctive striped or banded tails, which are often yellowish with darker stripes. These scorpions are small and have a slender appearance compared to other large scorpions.
Despite their intimidating look, striped-tail scorpions are less aggressive, and their venom is less harmful to humans. Their venom can cause mild pain and discomfort, similar to a bee sting. It rarely results in serious medical issues.
Paliurus Scorpions (Paliurus spp.)
Native to tropical regions, the Paliurus scorpions have a more slender appearance and are found in forested areas. They are less aggressive than other species, and their venom is harmless to humans. They are an essential part of their ecosystem, contributing to the balance of insect populations.
These scorpions prefer humid, sheltered habitats where they can hide among leaf litter and debris. Encounters with them are relatively rare, as they are more often observed in their natural habitat than in human dwellings.
Deathstalker Scorpions (Leiurus quinquestriatus)
Native to North Africa and the Middle East, the Deathstalker scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) has a distinctive yellow-green body with a slender build and long, curved pincers. They are notorious for their highly potent venom, which is one of the most dangerous among scorpions.
Their venom contains a complex mix of toxins that can cause severe pain, convulsions, and in extreme cases, potentially fatal reactions, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems. Despite its dangerous venom, the Deathstalker is not typically aggressive and will usually only sting in self-defense.
