Scorpions are scary critters that are never fun to find in your home. Luckily, there are ways to get rid of them!
To eliminate scorpions, clean up around your home and seal off any entrances. There are several ways to kill scorpions, including sprays, squishing them, keeping predators, traps, boric acid/borax and diatomaceous earth. Finally, eliminating food and water sources will keep scorpions away for good.
In my career as a pest control professional, I’ve helped many folks get rid of scorpions. Read the rest of this article for my best tips learned from years of experience.
You may also be interested in reading these two related articles “How to Get Rid Of Brown Recluse Spiders Quickly and Permanently” and “How To Get Rid Of Mites“.
Scorpion Information
Scorpions are famous for their two claws and long, curled, stinging tails. Furthermore, they are arachnids, not insects, making them closely related to spiders.
These arachnids prefer warmer, dryer weather, such as in deserts. But, they are well adapted to many climates and habitats and live on every continent except Antarctica.
In the USA you can find up to 50 species of scorpions, mostly in southern and southwestern states. They are most active at night, eat insects and bear live young.
Getting Rid Of Scorpions
Chemicals alone aren’t practical to eliminate scorpions. Moreover, it takes an effort of cleaning and sealing your home to get rid of these creepy crawlers.
Basically, you need to clean up hiding places and block entrances to your home. Some places you can start to get rid of scorpions are:
- Remove rocks, trash, boards, logs, bricks, and other objects near your home.
- Trim landscaping and grass close to your house.
- Garbage containers should be stored in frames to keep them off the ground.
- Wait to bring firewood inside until you need to burn it.
- Check the condition of weather-stripping around doors and windows and replace or install new protection where it’s lacking.
- Weep holes in brick veneer siding must be plugged with a fine mesh screen.
- Look for cracks, holes or open seams in your eaves or around pipes and seal them with caulk.
- Inspect window and door screens and repair any holes. Replace severely damaged screens.
- Clean clutter from crawl spaces, the attic and the garage.
- Fix leaking pipes or drainage problems.
Afterward, you might see an increase in scorpion activity after performing these actions. Don’t worry, they are simply looking for a new home after you disrupted theirs and they will go away.
Eliminate Prey Insects
Scorpions eat live insects. Therefore, if you have many insects near or in your home, they could attract scorpions.
Get rid of the insects. Then, the scorpions won’t have food and will go elsewhere.
Check out other articles on this site to learn how to get rid of the insects the scorpions eat. Almost any pest can be eliminated with the right techniques.
How To Kill Scorpions
Luckily, you can take advantage of the increased scorpion activity to kill some of them. Traditional pesticides may not be effective against these arachnids, but there are other ways of killing them.
Scorpion/Spider Spray
The same poisons that kill spiders also kill scorpions. To kill a scorpion with a spray, hit it directly with the chemical and it will die soon.
Common insecticides might also work, but you should check the label to see if it’s recommended for scorpions. Always wear personal protective equipment when using chemical sprays for scorpions, spiders or insects.
Squash Them
If you’re feeling brave, step on scorpions with your shoes or use another object to squish them. Take extreme caution with this approach, or you’re likely to get stung.
Scorpions can’t sting through most shoes. Therefore, it is safe to use them as a weapon against the arachnids.
Borax or Boric Acid
Borax and boric acid are two natural ways to kill scorpions. First, mix one cup of water and two tablespoons of boric acid/borax.
Next, soak any scorpions you see with the solution. Afterward, it could take a few days for the scorpions to die, and they will still be dangerous.
Alternatively, place your borax or boric acid solution in a shallow bowl. Then, place the bowl in places where scorpions might like to hide. When they go to take a drink, they will be poisoned.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
DE is a white powder made from fossilized sea creatures. Furthermore, it has many sharp edges that don’t hurt humans or other animals but are deadly to many insects and scorpions.
To kill scorpions, spread food-grade DE in areas that scorpions are likely to travel through. Additionally, all possible entrances to your home should receive a layer of powder.
DE kills scorpions by making cuts in their exoskeletons. The cuts cause the scorpions to lose water and they dry out.
Predators Of Scorpions
If you love having a feline friend around, they can also protect your home from scorpions. But, there is a chance your cat could get stung and injured from chasing a scorpion.
Also, chickens love eating scorpions. Keep a few in your yard and you can also enjoy their eggs!
Finally, you could promote habitat for other predators like owls, bats and reptiles. These animals will keep the scorpion numbers down naturally.
Sticky Traps
Sticky traps have a layer of glue that a scorpion sticks to if it walks over it. You can place sticky traps anywhere you have seen scorpion activity or where they are likely to hide.
Unfortunately, sticky traps can catch any small creature that walks over them. Then, they face a slow death that could be cruel.
Burlap Sack Trap
To make a scorpion trap from a burlap sack, get it wet and leave it open somewhere you have seen scorpion activity overnight. The darkness and moisture of the bag attracts scorpions and they will hide in it.
Then, in the morning, hit the bag with the flat part of a shovel. Scorpions hidden in the bag or under it will be crushed.
Next, wear gloves to clean the burlap sack. Finally, keep wetting it each night until you no longer catch scorpions.
How To Find Scorpions
Scorpions are nocturnal and might not be easy to find during the day. You could try looking under hiding spots, but be ready to escape and wear protective clothing.
On the other hand, you might have an easier time looking for scorpions at night. These arachnids glow under black lights, and you can use one to find them in the dark.
Humans often contact scorpions when the critters hide in shoes or other clothing. Always check items before touching them or putting them on your body.
What Time Of Year Are Scorpions Most Active?
You are most likely to see scorpions during July and August. At these times, scorpions might enter your home to escape the heat.
Likewise, when temperatures cool scorpions might seek shelter in your home for warmth. However, they are almost completely inactive during the coldest months of the year.
What Will Keep Scorpions Away?
Several natural essential oils keep scorpions away. Some of the best to deter these arachnids are:
- Cedar
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
First, make a solution of 10 percent essential oils with carrier oil or water. Then, spray the oil mixture in areas you have seen scorpions or where they might like to hide. Also, you may need to apply essential oils every few days.
Additionally, dried lavender bunches can be left near doors and windows where scorpions might enter. They won’t like the smell of the herb and will leave your home alone.
How Dangerous Are Scorpion Stings?
Scorpion stings mostly cause a mild reaction similar to a bee sting. Out of the scorpions in the US, only the bark scorpion of the desert southwest can cause severe symptoms.
Still, there have only been two deaths from scorpions in Arizona state since 1968. That number is out of thousands of stings per year.
First aid for scorpion stings includes washing the area, applying a cool cloth and taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Symptoms go away after 24 to 72 hours. Seek immediate medical attention for young children or severe adult symptoms.
Can Scorpions Climb Into Your Bed?
Yes, scorpions are good climbers, and they like seeking shelter under bedding. To prevent scorpions from climbing into your bed, don’t let any blankets or pillows hang down to touch the floor.
But, scorpions can’t climb glass. Placing an empty glass cup or jar under the feet of your bed could stop them from being able to climb up.
Can A House Be Infested With Scorpions?
Under the right conditions, scorpions can infest a house in groups of hundreds. They prefer sheltering in wall voids, crawl spaces and other dark areas.
Luckily, scorpions don’t like living near humans, and most infestations occur in vacant homes. Still, it’s a good idea to be vigilant and stop any problem before it gets out of hand.
Does One Scorpion Mean More?
Scorpions do sometimes live in groups. Therefore, if you see one, there are likely more in your house.
On the other hand, it could be a lone scorpion that got lost. Anyway, it’s a good idea to check around your house for signs of more scorpions, ways they could enter and food sources.