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An encounter with a scorpion can be frightening. By and large, scorpions have no interest in humans and only attack when disturbed. When scorpions lurk in a home or garage, they’re likely looking for accessible food sources, a warm place to sleep at night, or a spot to avoid the weather. They can be tricky to get rid of, so be prepared with these steps for how to get rid of scorpions at the first sign of an infestation, and know when to hire someone to do it for you.
Time required: 30 minutes to a few days
Difficulty: Intermediate
Estimated cost: $20 to $250
Tools & Materials
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Before You Begin…
If you’re wondering, ”Is a scorpion an insect?” the answer is no. Scorpions belong to the arachnid family, making them a cousin of spiders. Like other arachnids, scorpions have eight legs while insects have six. Scorpions have a tough exoskeleton, pincers, and a long stinger filled with venom. Most scorpions are not lethal; however, the Arizona bark scorpion is deadly and is native to Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and California.
According to Georgia Clubb, an advanced scorpion control specialist with Seal Out Scorpions of Tempe, Arizona, “Success in scorpion control is more about changing the scorpion’s path and less about trying to constantly exterminate them.” The best pest control companies for scorpion extermination will most likely mention scorpions on their websites. Some companies, especially in the Southwestern U.S., specialize exclusively in scorpions and will know exactly how to deal with them. Before hiring a professional, you may want to ask questions about their experience and expertise, making sure that they are fully equipped to handle the issue appropriately.
Tips for How to Get Rid of Scorpions
- Have a pest control company regularly spray your home’s foundation to kill the scorpion’s food source, which is small insects.
- Use a UV black light at night to check for scorpions hiding in the yard or house.
- Trap them with a glass jar that they can’t climb.
- Spray scorpion insecticide directly on a scorpion.
- Set sticky traps in areas where scorpions or other pests are seen to trap the food source or the scorpion itself.
Safety Considerations
- Be sure to wear long, thick gloves when inspecting for or trapping scorpions to protect from a painful sting or pinch.
- Use extra-long tongs to catch a scorpion and put it in a glass jar if you prefer some extra distance.
- Act quickly at the first sign of a scorpion in your house to prevent an infestation.
STEP 1: Inspect your property for scorpions.
Scorpions have a fluorescent quality that causes their bodies to glow under UV light. Using a black light, inspect your property at night to find where the scorpion is coming from. Check under large rocks, under windowsills or decorative pillars, porch rails, or any cracks in the foundation. Scorpions also prefer areas full of debris like a woodpile, shoe closet, wall voids, or rain gutters.
STEP 2: Make the property unappealing by removing food sources.
The biggest deterrent against a scorpion infestation is eliminating their food source. Regular pest control to keep other insects from inhabiting your property means a scorpion will be uninterested in hanging around. Regularly sweep and tidy areas in your garage or on your patio where small bugs could decide to nest.
STEP 3: Seal any cracks and holes in the house or foundation.
The smallest crack is large enough for a scorpion to slip through—and not just a baby scorpion, either. Any cracks in a foundation, cuts in a window screen, or gaps around cable wires should be sealed with caulk or repaired. Apply weatherstripping to outside doors so scorpions can’t squeeze under the door. Install window or vent screens tightly. Also, be sure to caulk any interior gaps or holes around plumbing in your kitchen, bathroom, or electrical areas.
STEP 4: Maintain your lawn and remove hiding places.
A long, shaggy lawn is an invitation for a multitude of pests, including scorpions. Keep your lawn trimmed and maintained so there is minimal protection for insects. Avoid stacking wood against or near your house. Consider keeping all landscaping at least 2 feet from your home when planning your yard to eliminate accessible hiding spots.
STEP 5: Set sticky traps and use scorpion killers.
Sticky or glue traps are a helpful tool for trapping insects, rodents—and scorpions. Carefully place them in areas where scorpions are prone to enter, such as bathrooms and near windows, doors, or food. Scorpions are less affected by an exterior pest control spray since their legs are thin and make minimal contact with the ground, but directly spraying their body with an insecticide will kill them.
STEP 6: Trap a scorpion and remove it from your property.
If you’re not interested in picking up any traps or using chemicals, you can trap individual scorpions in a glass jar. Make sure to wear long, thick gloves when working around a scorpion. Once the scorpion is in the jar, cover the mouth of the jar with construction paper or card stock and move the scorpion to a different location. Take the preventative measures mentioned above to ensure that the scorpion won’t want to return.
STEP 7: Hire a professional.
If you’re uncomfortable dealing directly with scorpions or worried about how to get rid of them, a local branch of one of the best pest control companies (such as Orkin or Terminix) can happily help remove an infestation. Scorpion experts are adept at identifying the smallest cracks where scorpions are entering your home. They’ll be able to identify the types of scorpions on your property and the best method to remove them.
Removing scorpions can be challenging if there is an excess of debris, food sources, or easy access into the house. Following these steps will help eliminate scorpions over time, but it’s essential to do so carefully to avoid being stung. If you’d rather not deal with scorpions on your own, don’t hesitate to use a qualified professional who can get the job done efficiently and give recommendations specifically for your house to prevent future infestations.
