If you’ve discovered that you have scorpions in or around your home, this article will give you some great tips on how to get rid of scorpions. Scorpions can be terrifying.
Not only do they look scary, but many believe that they are all deadly. Thankfully, not all of them are that poisonous, however, getting stung by one is still very painful.
With more and more buildings and homes being built, scorpions come out of their natural habitat which is being taken over by these buildings and unfortunately, you may find some in your garden, or worse, your home.
Scorpion Facts
Scorpions are active at night since this is when it’s cooler. During the day they like to hide in dark and shady areas so as not to get scorched by the sun. Because of this, you may find them in your attic, your basement, or any area with a lot of clutter or boxes. Outside, they like to hide in piles of rocks or wood, or dense shrubs and plants.
Scorpions mainly eat insects and can survive on very little food. They can go 6 months without food. They are commonly found in arid areas, but they are versatile creatures and can be found everywhere except for Antartica.
The two main types of scorpions to be extra wary of is the bark scorpion and the striped back scorpion. To be safe, be cautious around all scorpions.
How to Get Rid of Scorpions
The best way to get rid of scorpions is to use remedies that are non-toxic to humans or pets. Luckily, there are quite a few home remedies for scorpions.
1. Get Rid of Any Insects
Insects are a source of food for scorpions. To keep insects away be sure to keep all food securely sealed and clean up any crumbs or spills. The following remedies are great for getting rid of insects and work on scorpions too:
Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Just sprinkle it along the outside of your home and windows, you can also sprinkle it in areas the insects and scorpions frequent such as dark corners and behind free standing shelves. It works by breaking down their exoskeletons and dehydrating them.
It’s completely safe for humans and pets. Just be careful not to breathe it in.
Neem oil
Neem oil disrupts the hormones in insects and scorpions. They won’t eat and it will disrupt their reproductive cycles too so that they won’t lay eggs. Simply mix 10-30 drops of neem oil with some water in a spray bottle and spray it in insect and scorpion hot spots, including the plants and bushes outside.
If it’s been raining or there has been a lot of wind, reapply these natural insecticides. The neem oil may need to be applied every few days to ensure that it stays potent.
2. Cedar Oil
Not only are scorpions repelled by cedar oil, but it can kill them. In fact, it’s an effective remedy against all arthropods which is the family that scorpions belong too. So along with the scorpions, you will be getting rid of spiders and ticks too. Most types of insects don’t like cedar oil. Prepare it and use it the same way you would the neem oil.
Tip: Cedar wood shavings can also be sprinkled in your flower beds, along the outer walls of your home, and over piles of wood or rocks that are in your garden.
3. Essential Oils
In addition to neem and cedar oil, there are other essential oils which are a natural scorpion repellant and repel insects too. This is because they hate the strong smells of these essential oils:
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Peppermint
Prepare and use them the same way you would with the cedar or neem oil. You can also dip cotton balls in the essential oil and put them in strategic places.
Tip: Plant lavender and mint in your garden and along, but not touching, the walls of your home.
4. Traps
Traps can be an effective method of getting rid of scorpions. Non-toxic sticky traps used to catch mice are a good option. Be sure to ask for non-toxic traps as many of these sticky traps are full of toxic chemicals. This is the most effective trap.
Another way to trap scorpions is to use a wet burlap sack. Leave the sack open overnight and then check for any scorpions in the morning. Be very careful when checking for scorpions, they can also be underneath the bag.
You can then kill them and dispose of them in the trash. Make sure that you seal the garbage bag.
Tip: Using a black light at night, you can find scorpions in the dark as they glow in the dark. You can kill them using scorpion tweezers or thick, heavy boots. Be cautious. Wearing thick clothing and closed shoes can prevent stings.
5. Clean Up the Clutter and Scorpion-Proof Your Home
When thinking about how to keep scorpions out of the house, think about what scorpions like. Clutter in your home, clothing lying around, boxes stored on the ground, and an untidy garden are major attractions for scorpions. This gives them places to hide during the day until they can come out at night.
- Store boxes on shelves or get rid of them.
- Organise your home and keep it neat.
- Get rid of unnecessary rock piles or logs.
- Fix all leaks and make sure that your floors and counters are all dry. Scorpions are attracted to moisture and puddles.
- Seal any cracks or holes in your home no matter how small. Scorpions can fit through cracks as small as a millimeter. You will also need to create a seal around your door if it lets any air in. Weatherstripping is a good option.
- Install window screens or repair any holes in your existing screens. You can also install screens around the vents, and even your chimney if you have one.
- Use a yellow bulb for any lights you have outside. As scorpions prefer white light, yellow light tends to deter them.
- Chickens and cats are natural predators of scorpions. Some dogs will also kill scorpions.
- Always wear shoes and shake out all your clothes and bedding before using them.
If someone does get stung, wash the area and apply a cold compress. Keep an eye out for severe symptoms especially in children or the elderly.
If you have any more questions about how to keep scorpions out, please let us know.
Sources:
http://blog.cedarcide.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-scorpions-naturally
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Scorpions
