If one creature on this planet can send shivers down your spine, it has to be the scorpion.
Not only do they look dangerous, but their sting also packs quite the punch.
If you live in an area where these pests are the norm, the question arises, how to keep scorpions away?
Like most other pests, scorpions can be kept at bay by taking 5 simple DIY precautions. These are:
- Keep your vegetation trimmed
- Cut the overgrown tree branches
- Get rid of the prey
- Fortify your windows and doors
- Get a cat or chickens
As you can see, these are simple methods to prevent a scorpion invasion.
Being the creepy pests they are, you should know the warning signs of a scorpion’s presence. We’ll also go into the details about how you can keep the scorpion infestation at bay.
3 Warning Signs You Have Scorpions
Don’t you love the cool warmth of your home? Well, so do the scorpions!
They’d love to get all cozy and warm under your furniture or any mess you haven’t bothered cleaning up for ages.
It would be best if you watched out for any warning signs of their presence in or around your property, such as:
1. More Bugs Than Usual
Scorpions are hunters and prey on small insects like roaches, flies, spiders, and ants.
Just like you, small pests, too, are petrified by scorpions. So, if you see a greater number of them scurrying around in or outside your house, chances are they’re panicked due to the presence of a scorpion.
Also, you’ll see many of these bugs lying around in pieces as they become meals for the scorpion.
2. Scorpion Droppings and Shedded Skin
If the scorpion is hunting and devouring the insects, it must be pooping right!
Keep a look out for weird white powdery sand-like bits. Please don’t mistake this for some dry dirt, as it may be scorpion droppings.
Also, if you see a motionless scorpion-shaped hollow peel lying around, it’s a sign of a scorpion going through the molting process.
This is a sure-way pointer towards the presence of a scorpion!
Scorpions shed their skin 5 to 6 times until they’ve grown adults.
3. You Spotted One
This has got to be the most obvious one.
Even though scorpions are not commonly known to gather in numbers, if there is an area that makes for a perfect hiding spot, they’ll gladly join their stingers and live together!
So, if you saw one crawling around, there’s a good chance there are more.
Whatever you do, do NOT try to pick up or remove the scorpion by yourself.
Call professional scorpion pest control for help. They’ll not only remove the scorpion but also check if there are more of them around.
5 Ways To Keep Scorpions Away
Here are some simple yet effective DIY ways to keep the scorpions from invading your space:
1. Trimming Your Greens
Like other pests, scorpions also like to hide in cool dark corners.
By trimming your grass and other plants and cutting off any overgrowth, you can ensure that scorpions don’t have safe passage to your property.
2. Cut Overgrowing Tree Branches
Scorpions are good climbers, so if you have a tree(s) with branches leading to your property, chances are these pests (and others!) will find a way.
The leaves accumulating on the roof can also provide a haven for the scorpions to conceal themselves.
Cut down these branches and clean your rooftop of fallen tree twigs and leaves.
This will ensure that the scorpions don’t have any safe havens or any safe passages to your property.
3. Eliminate the Food Source
In the insect world, scorpions are among the top-tier predators of bugs and other pests.
Scorpions will not be far behind if you have small insects scurrying around.
Scorpions can go 6 to 12 months without food, making them extremely resilient.
Suppose you’re facing an insect infestation; better to clear them out ASAP before the scorpions find a way in.
Getting rid of nuisances like termites, cockroaches, and ants is an important approach to keeping scorpions away.
By removing their food supply, you can ensure that scorpions don’t have a reason to become your new housemates.
4. Seal the Gaps, Cracks, and Sills
Over time, doors and windows can have gaps and cracks that allow easy access for scorpions to squeeze through.
As mentioned earlier, these arachnids like dark and solitary spots so that they may find their way inside through these tight spaces.
It’s highly recommended as a preventive strategy to have your property checked for such spaces to prevent pests from getting inside.
Scorpions do not have bones or a skeletal structure. They have an exoskeleton, which they shed every 2 to 4 years to grow a new one.
5. Get a Cat or Chickens
If you’ve ever wanted a pet cat or keep chickens in your backyard, this is one of the advantages of having them as pets.
Cats like to hunt and play with scorpions, which the scorpions do not enjoy. This compels the scorpions to run away.
On the other hand, chickens eat scorpions for breakfast so having them around in your garden (or backyard) is a sure way to ensure that your green pasture remains pest-free.
Takeaway
Scorpions are nocturnal creatures, so they hide under piles of leaves, tree bark, large rocks, and even garbage during the day.
If they enter your home, they’ll hide in the dark corners of your furniture, storage rooms, or basement.
Here 5 ways you can make sure to keep scorpions away:
- Keep your vegetation trimmed
- Cut the overgrown tree branches
- Get rid of the prey
- Fortify your windows and doors
- Get a cat or chickens
By following these preventive measures, you can keep the scorpions from being interested in coming near (or inside) your property.
Remember, if you think you might have a full-blown scorpion invasion, call in professional pest control for help immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Any Scents Repel Scorpions?
Some essential oils can deter scorpions, such as cedar, peppermint, cinnamon, and lavender.
You can spray these at entry points like doorways, window and door sills, baseboards, and even around your property perimeter.
What Months Are Scorpions Most Active?
Scorpions are most active during the warm season, such as from July to August.
What Attracts Scorpions to a House?
Scorpions are attracted to water and moisture.
If you have a leaky pipe or hose that’s making the water stand outside your house, it will lead the scorpion your way.
