Do you want to get rid of scorpions around your home? Scorpions may seem intimidating and dangerous, but with the right methods you can rid yourself of them safely and effectively. In this article, I’ll provide you with seven tips to get rid of scorpions and keep them away.
1. Identifying Scorpions Around Your Home
Know Your Enemy
Before you start trying to get rid of the scorpions around your home, it’s important to identify what type of scorpion you have. There are several types of scorpions found in the United States including the Striped Bark Scorpion, the Giant Desert Hairy Scorpion, and the Arizona Bark Scorpion. Knowing the species of scorpion can help you determine the best course of action for getting rid of them.
Check for Signs of Scorpions
Once you know what type of scorpion you’re dealing with, you can start looking for signs of them around your home. Scorpions are nocturnal creatures that often hide in dark, sheltered areas during the day. Look for them in areas like underneath furniture, in the attic, behind baseboards, and in cracks and crevices. You may also see the evidence of scorpions through their shed skins or droppings.
2. Creating an Unwelcoming Environment
Eliminate Moisture
One of the most effective ways to get rid of scorpions is to eliminate the moisture in and around your home. Scorpions are primarily seeking water and will be attracted to areas where there is a higher concentration of moisture. Dry out any areas of standing water and use dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture in your home.
Remove Hiding Spots
Scorpions tend to hide in dark, sheltered areas. You can create an environment that is less welcoming to them by removing or sealing up their hiding spots. Keep any items that may be attracting scorpions out of the home, such as stacks of wood or debris. Trim back trees, shrubs, and bushes that are near your home and seal up any cracks or gaps in the foundation.
3. Using Chemical Repellents
Purchase a Repellent
Chemical repellents are another way to get rid of scorpions. There are several commercially available repellents that contain ingredients like permethrin, deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, and bifenthrin. Repellents should be applied directly to the areas that are most prone to scorpion infestations.
Create Natural Repellents
If you’d rather avoid using chemical repellents, there are several natural repellents that you can make at home. Vinegar and lemon juice are both effective natural repellents that can be applied to areas around your home. Additionally, certain essential oils like eucalyptus, citronella, and tea tree oil can be used to deter scorpions.
4. Taking Precautions
Keep Doors and Windows Closed
To reduce the risk of scorpions entering your home, make sure all of the doors and windows are shut and sealed correctly. Look for any loose or broken seals around the doors and windows and repair them as soon as possible. Additionally, you can place a screen over any openings that could be potential entry points for scorpions.
Wear Protective Clothing
When handling scorpions, it is important to wear protective clothing. Wear non-porous gloves, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and protective eyewear. This will help minimize your risk of being stung by a scorpion.
5. Trapping Scorpions
Purchase Glue Traps
One method of trapping scorpions is to use glue traps. These traps are specially made for trapping scorpions and other pests, and can be purchased from most home and garden stores. Place the traps in the areas where scorpions tend to hide and be sure to check them regularly and replace them when needed.
Build Your Own Trap
If you don’t have access to store-bought traps, you can build your own. To create your own trap, take a shallow box, fill it with a mixture of sugar and water, and then place pieces of wood at each corner to form a ramp. The scorpions will be attracted to the sugar, but will be unable to climb up the ramp.
6. Natural Predators
Encourage Natural Predators
Scorpions have several natural predators that can help to keep their numbers in check. Encourage these predators to come to your property by providing them with a food and water source. Different types of lizards, frogs, birds, and bats are all predators of scorpions.
Introduce Other Insects
You can also introduce certain insects such as spiders, centipedes, and ground beetles, as they will help keep the scorpion population in check. By introducing these insects, you are creating a natural balance that will help to keep the scorpion population under control.
7. Professional Extermination
Inspect Your Home
If you find that your scorpion infestation is too severe, it may be time to call a professional. A licensed exterminator will be able to inspect your home and determine the best course of action for getting rid of the scorpions.
Hire an Exterminator
Once the exterminator has inspected your home, they will be able to provide you with the best options for eradicating the scorpions. Professional extermination services will use a variety of techniques such as pesticides and traps to safely and effectively get rid of your scorpion infestation.
People Also Ask
How can I repel scorpions?
A combination of pest control methods such as eliminating moisture, creating an unwelcoming environment, and using chemical or natural repellents can effectively repel scorpions.
What time should I look for scorpions?
Scorpions are nocturnal creatures, so it is best to look for them during the night when they are most active.
Do scorpions like light?
Scorpions tend to avoid light as they prefer dark, hidden areas. If you want to find them, it is best to search for them in dark, sheltered areas during the night.
What attracts scorpions?
Scorpions are mainly attracted to areas of high moisture and darkness. Stacks of wood or debris, standing water, tall grass or bushes, and cracks in the foundation can all be potential attractants.
What do scorpions eat?
Scorpions are carnivorous predators that mainly feed on insects, spiders, and other small arthropods.
Final Words
Getting rid of scorpions can be a difficult task, but with the right methods you can rid yourself of them safely and effectively. Be sure to know what type of scorpion you are dealing with, create an unwelcoming environment for them, use chemical or natural repellents, and lastly, consider using professional extermination methods. Follow these seven tips, and you’ll be on your way to a scorpion-free home.