How To Get Rid Of Scorpions In The House

DIY Ways To Kill Scorpions Safely

9/21/2020

Scorpions are survivors. They can live as long as 15 years. They can live up to a year without food and survive in many of the same harsh conditions as cockroaches, including extreme heat and radiation. Even some of the most effective control methods that work on other types of pests simply don't work on scorpions. If you're looking for information on how to get rid of scorpions, those are just some of the reasons that killing scorpions is often best left to the Chandler, AZ pest control experts.

scorpion in a moist basement

If you see scorpions on your property, chances are good that there are many more of them. Although scorpions may not travel in packs, having just one find its way in means that others can, too. The best way to get rid of scorpions and eliminate any that may be hiding is to call on Arizona pest control professionals. If, however, you need to kill an individual scorpion right away, there are a few strategies that may work.

How To Kill A Scorpion

Be careful using any of the following do-it-yourself methods:

Spider Spray

Scorpions are arachnids, the same class of arthropods that include spiders, so they can be killed by many of the same poisons. Any spider sprays available at the grocery store can kill an individual scorpion. Use spider sprays carefully since they may be toxic to your pets.

Shoes & Knives

Despite their strength, you can stomp on scorpions to squish them or use a knife to pierce their outer shell. Keep in mind, though, that you have to get very close to dispatch a scorpion using one of these methods, so it may be better to keep a brick or sledgehammer handy.

Boric Acid/Borax

Boric acid and, to a lesser extent, Borax, are natural substances that can be sprayed or placed on scorpions to eventually kill them. The process is rather slow as the chemical dehydrates the scorpions. Since it will take a while, the scorpion will still be able to sting for a time. Keep pets away from boric acid since it can be dangerous if they inhale or ingest it.

Rodent Traps

You may have some success setting rat and mouse traps in your home.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Another substance that has the same dehydrating effect is diatomaceous earth, a powder made from fossilized diatoms that's safe for pets and people. It has sharp edges that cut the scorpion's exoskeleton. You can sprinkle DE indoors and outdoors, placing it across door thresholds and in cracks and crevices where scorpions are likely to contact it. An added benefit of DE is that it also helps control other types of insects.

Cats

Cats are experts at catching and killing scorpions, but you do have to be careful since cats could get stung or injured. If you happen to keep chickens, they can also help keep the population down.

Sticky Traps

The same traps that can catch small rodents can be put into service as scorpion traps. Put them close to sources of water, in dark spots where they take shelter, such as closets, near entry points, in garages, and anywhere else you have seen scorpions. If you have pets or children, look for non-toxic types of traps. Setting glue traps can help you monitor the scorpion population in your house.
If you want to hunt for scorpions, do so at night when they're most active. You can use a black light bulb in a flashlight to locate them since their exoskeletons glow in ultraviolet light. Be sure to search with caution, wearing long pants, long sleeves, gloves, and closed shoes. Using long tweezers can help you keep your distance when handling scorpions.

Preventative Measures For Chandler, AZ Scorpions

It's good to know what kills scorpions and to be prepared to kill any scorpions you may come across, but taking preventative steps to keep them away from your home is the other part of the equation. These are some of the simple tasks that can help:

Seal entry points. Some Arizona scorpions, such as bark scorpions, can fit through openings as narrow as a credit card, so you need to closely inspect your home's windows and doors and around the foundation for small entry points. Use caulk, weatherstripping, or other fillers to seal the spaces from scorpions, and keep screens on doors and windows in good repair.
Reduce water sources. Scorpions are attracted to moisture. Even a damp towel on the bathroom floor can provide the perfect spot for a scorpion to hide. Reduce humidity in bathrooms with exhaust fans, try to keep spills cleaned up, and check pipes and spigots for leaks and drips. While you can't eliminate some outdoor sources of water, such as swimming pools, be sure to inspect the area around pools and fountains regularly.
Keep other pests under control. Scorpions are carnivorous, feeding on other types of unwanted pests in your home such as spiders, beetles, flies, ants, roaches, and small rodents. Keep your kitchen counters and cabinets free of the crumbs that attract insects and rodents and that provide food for scorpions. Taking steps to reduce the populations of all pests helps control scorpions.
Reduce shelter spots. Scorpions are nocturnal and can be dehydrated by exposure to extreme sun and heat, so they spend their daytime hours hiding in dark places. Check closets and try to keep shoes and other clutter off of closet floors. If you store items in boxes around your house, also keep those off the floor and tightly sealed. If you don't need the storage space, keep the floors under beds free of any items. Frequently check cabinets in your kitchen and baths, and the interiors of furniture that provides storage in drawers or behind doors.
Keep your yard tidy. Outdoors, try to eliminate piles of debris and wood (keep firewood at least 30 feet away from your home), and dense vegetation, which are favorite hiding places of scorpions. Mulch materials should be pulled back at least six inches away from your home's foundation. Also look for and trim tree branches and shrubs that are in contact with your home's exterior—these can be used as bridges to your walls.
Turn off outdoor lights. Insects, such as crickets, that may be attracted to lights around your home at night provide food for scorpions.

The Best, Long-Term Solution For Scorpion Control

The sting that most Arizona scorpions deliver may be temporarily painful for most people, but it can be life-threatening for the elderly, very young children, or people who have allergic reactions to scorpion venom. This is just one reason why it can be risky to attempt to kill scorpions yourself since you have to come into close contact with them.

Although the above methods can help you get rid of the few scorpions you can see, the best course of action is to call in an experienced professional to ensure your scorpion problems get under control.

At Green Home Pest Control, we offer comprehensive scorpion control in Chandler, including scorpion sealing services. We take the time to find all of the entry points into your home and seal them, which reduces the need to use undesirable chemicals inside your home, and our sealant products are formulated to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Our technicians will be happy to give you tips for scorpion-proofing your home as well.

The experts at Green Home Pest Control offer top-notch service from highly trained career professionals. We're a locally owned pest control company, so we understand all of the unique pest challenges that Arizona homeowners face. We also guarantee all of our pest control services, so we'll gladly return to your home until your pest problem is taken care of.

Green Home Pest Control offers safe, easy scorpion control services in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, and throughout the Greater Phoenix Metro area. For more information about all the pest control services we offer in Chandler, AZ including our home pest control plans, commercial pest control solutions, and termite control services, give us a call.

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