Scorpions can be quite intimidating, but there are a few easy steps you can take to get rid of them permanently.
Of course, if the infestation is serious enough, you may need to call for professional backup, but that could be avoided if you act now.
So, let’s look at how to get rid of scorpions permanently and talk about other good-to-know information about these creepy crawlers.
1. Are Scorpions Hard to Get Rid Of?
Scorpions have a reputation for being challenging to get rid of.
But don’t let that discourage you!
They’re particularly hard to eliminate because of where they hide.
Scorpions prefer hiding in small, dark spaces like cracks and crevices, underneath furniture and clutter, crawl spaces, and attics.
Additionally, these critters are nocturnal.
So, during the day, they’ll sneak away in a tiny opening and wait for the safety of the night to begin moving around.
Their ability to stay out of sight can be frustrating when you’re first trying to remove them, but once you uncover and prep hiding spots, it just comes down to a waiting game.
The good news is that there is a common myth that scorpions have a thick exoskeleton, making them resilient to traditional forms of extermination.
Just like any other bug, they can be killed with insecticides or by being squashed.
2. Are Scorpions Deadly?
In the United States, there are around 70 species of scorpions.
How many of them do you think are lethal?
If you guessed anything more than one, you’re incorrect!
That’s right, there is only one type of scorpion in the United States that is deadly.
It’s called the bark scorpion, and it’s primarily found in the Arizona deserts (there have been a few spotting in southeastern California).
A sting from the bark scorpion doesn’t mean death is imminent.
However, it does mean you’ll experience an extremely painful wound and potential symptoms such as convulsions, numbness, difficulty breathing, and nausea.
Small animals or children are most threatened by these scorpions, but luckily, the chances of encountering them if you live outside of Arizona are slim to none.
In most cases, the worst part about a scorpion sting is the pain.
If you do get stung and experience concerning symptoms, don’t wait to seek medical attention.
3. What Attracts Scorpions?
So, what’s the deal? Why are scorpions entering your home?
Like all of us, scorpions are looking for food, shelter, and water.
Can you blame them?
Without knowing, you can slowly turn your home or yard into a hotspot for these critters, so let’s take a closer look at each factor that lures them in.
Food Sources: Insects
Scorpions eat just about every type of insect, from spiders to crickets to cockroaches.
Some scorpions will even prey on lizards and small rodents.
If your home has bug issues, and you live in scorpion territory, it’s likely ringing the dinner bell.
So, when you notice a sudden scorpion problem, you may need to check for other issues like termites.
Shelter: Escaping the Heat
Scorpions are typically found in hot environments, but they prefer to spend their time in the shade.
Homes are inviting places of refuge, and all they need is a crack not much thicker than a credit card to enter.
Scorpions like to avoid being seen, and most stings happen because a person inside the house puts their hand somewhere a scorpion is hiding.
Keep in mind that scorpions typically come in groups, so if you spot one in your room, check for others carefully.
Water: Lifeline
In order to survive in such arid environments, scorpions are able to go shocking lengths of time without water.
In fact, they can survive for months and months without a single sip.
With that being said, scorpions still require water, and they like to find areas where moisture isn’t fair.
That makes bathrooms, gardens, and anywhere else around a house with water a hotspot.
Homeowners need to check these areas during scorpion infestations.
4. Steps to Get Rid of Scorpions?
Let’s now shift our attention to how to get rid of scorpions permanently, shall we?
Looking on the bright side of things, you don’t have to worry about scorpions attacking you as you do with wasps or bees.
As you begin to uncover or remove their hiding spots, you need to be cautious and watch where you’re putting your hands.
But the likely scenario is you’ll see very little of the critters, and it’s very unlikely that you’ll be stung.
Knowing how to get rid of scorpions permanently is going to keep you, your family, and your pets, so don’t wait to put these steps into action!
Steps to Eliminate Scorpions:
Scan your property:
First things first, scan your property to see where scorpions are hiding.
Due to scorpions’ fluorescent bodies, you can use a black light to spot them at night.
You’ll likely have more success using this method than searching during the day.
Examine windowsills, rain gutters, woodpiles, closets, cracks, and anywhere that looks like a good hiding spot or place of entry.
Exterminate other bugs:
Getting rid of scorpions’ food sources is an excellent action step to make your property less desirable.
Remember that scorpions dine on insects, small lizards, and, occasionally, small rodents.
A scorpion problem is a good indicator that you have another insect problem as well.
Seal small cracks and crevices in and outside the house:
Small cracks and crevices are hotspots for scorpions.
Sealing these spaces will make it more difficult for them to enter.
Seal all cracks found in the foundation and inside the house.
Remove hiding spots in the yard:
Scorpions don’t like to be exposed and vulnerable.
Piles of wood, clutter, and stones are common hiding spots.
If possible, remove these objects.
Or scan them for scorpions and apply repellents.
Utilize sticky traps and insecticides:
Sticky traps, like the ones used for rats, are equally as effective for scorpions.
Additionally, you could use insecticides (look for products directed toward scorpions) to poison them.
Whichever method you decide to use, place them near entry points, such as doors, cracks, windows, and food (or place them in areas you have seen them).
Call an exterminator:
When you just can’t get a grip on the problem and it seems like numbers are growing, hire a professional.
Exterminators will know exactly where to look and be able to identify the type of scorpion, allowing them to use the most effective strategies.
An exterminator won’t likely be necessary if you only spot one or two scorpions and begin implementing preventative strategies.
5. Steps to Keep Scorpions from Getting in Your Bed?
Do scorpions like to hide in beds?
Yes…unfortunately.
If you have a scorpion problem, and you’ve already seen them crawling around in your room, well, protecting your bed should be one of your first steps.
The last thing you want is to hop into bed after a long day ad get a sting on the toe–no, thank you.
So, let’s talk about what you can do.
Steps to Keep Scorpions from Getting in Your Bed:
Move your bed away from walls:
Scorpions can climb walls.
Pulling your bed a few inches from the walls will lower the chances of a scorpion getting under the covers.
Keep in mind that scorpions can only climb on walls with texture; you don’t have to worry about your bed being against smooth surfaces like glass.
Keep bedding off the floor:
Don’t give scorpions a ladder to your bed, and avoid allowing the bedding to touch the floor.
Scorpions can easily climb up and make themselves at home.
Additionally, any other objects, like towels, clothes, or blankets, should also not be draped down on the floor.
Seal any cracks in the room:
Scorpions love cracks and crevices.
These openings can be both hiding places and entry points.
Scan your room for cracks of all sizes and immediately seal them.
It will hopefully prevent more scorpions from getting in your room.
Scan your bed with a UV light:
If you are currently dealing with a scorpion problem and you’ve seen them in or around your bed, get a UV light.
Turn the lights off and scan your bed with the light.
Scorpions’ bodies with light up, and you’ll be able to avoid a nasty sting.
6. What Can You Spray to Kill a Scorpion?
There are various sprays that can be used to kill scorpions.
Products range from harsh chemicals to natural oils.
To kill a scorpion quickly, you can use boric acid or borax.
However, it could take several minutes to a few hours for the scorpions to finally die, so be careful when you are applying the spray.
Even if the scorpion isn’t moving, don’t think it’s now safe to pick up.
Some sprays on the market won’t kill the scorpion for several days, but these products can be very effective.
If you want don’t want to spray harsh chemicals in your home, look for pest control that use natural substances like cinnamon and cedar oil.
Another option is to use an ultrasonic pest repellent, which prevents you from having to spray anything.
These devices emit electromagnetic pulses and high-pitched sounds, which deter everything from scorpions to rats to roaches.
7. Can You Get Rid Of Scorpions With Scents?
Scorpions don’t like certain scents, and you can use that to your advantage when you’re dealing with an infestation problem.
Here are the scents scorpions don’t like:
Cedar
Cinnamon
Lavender
Peppermint
Applying natural oils with these scents to entry points or around your bed is an excellent way to keep scorpions out.
The best part?
They smell great!
You could also consider planting lavender and peppermint around your property as another line of defense.
Knowing how to get rid of scorpions permanently means pulling out all the tricks, so don’t wait to put these scents to use!
8. Can You Get Rid Of Scorpions With Dryer Sheets?
Whether dryer sheets keep scorpions away is up for debate.
If the sheets are placed in their hiding spaces and contain scents that they don’t like, dryer sheets could potentially keep them away.
However, you would still be better off using natural oils like lavender, cinnamon, cedar, and peppermint.
So, don’t rely on dryer sheets to solve your problems.
If you do decide to use them, it should be in addition to several other more effective strategies, such as sealing the cracks in and around your house.
9. Can Scorpions Harm Pets?
Scorpions are known to sting pets now and again.
Although all scorpions are venomous, it’s highly unlikely that your animal will die from the sting.
The sting will create a painful patch on your pet, which could lead to whining, limping, and licking.
There are a few serious signs to look out for, however.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your pet has been stung, take them to the vet immediately:
Tremors
Trouble breathing
Watery or dilated eyes
Drooling
Collapsing
These would all indicate that the venom is having a serious effect on your animal, and it’s always better to play it safe and get professional help than not.
Small pets are more vulnerable to severe symptoms, so be extra vigilant after a sting.
Having an animal get stung by a scorpion can be scary, but just remember that survival is almost certain, and medication can be administered if needed.
10. Can Scorpions Climb Walls?
Scorpions’ ability to climb walls depends on the wall.
The surface of the wall, or object, needs to have some texture to allow them to climb it.
Smooth surfaces like glass won’t give them anything to cling onto, preventing them from climbing.
You could put plastic surfaces around your bed to prevent scorpions from getting into it.
But with the right texture, scorpions are expert climbers and can position themselves in places you’d least expect, such as around vanities, on shelves, and in closets.
If you do see a scorpion on your wall, it’s a great opportunity to spray it with a repellent or watch where it goes to find its hiding spot.
11. What Time of Year Are Scorpions Most Active?
Summer is considered to be the main season for scorpions; it’s when they mate and actively hunt.
When the temperatures begin to drop in the fall, they’ll seek refuge in homes where they’ll hibernate for the winter–yes, scorpions hibernate.
Once spring rolls around and temperatures begin to rise, homeowners will begin spotting scorpions that are now ready to find a bite to eat.
There is a common misconception that scorpions die off in the winter.
That is false!
Unless exposed to freezing temperatures, scorpions are more than capable of making it throughout the season.
So, if you have a scorpion problem, don’t think that waiting till the winter will solve your problem.
Final Thoughts
Scorpions aren’t something you want hanging around your house.
Even though they are rarely fatal, they administer quite a painful sting, resulting in uncomfortable symptoms.
So, knowing how to get rid of scorpions permanently is crucial if you live in an area where they’re known to wander.
The best strategy is taking action before a problem arises.
Periodically scan for cracks in walls, plant lavender and peppermint, and make sure you don’t have any other bug problems that will lure scorpions to your house.
With a little effort, you’ll never have to worry about scorpions again!
Additional Resources
Don't forget to explore our unbeatable $1 Down Land Listings + Vacation Giveaway!
Would you like to receive weekly emails with our latest blog/properties?
Disclaimer: we are not lawyers, accountants or financial advisors and the information in this article is for informational purposes only. This article is based on our own research and experience and we do our best to keep it accurate and up-to-date, but it may contain errors. Please be sure to consult a legal or financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Prior to starting Gokce Capital, Erika received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California and a graduate degree in Urban Policy from Columbia University. She worked as both an architectural designer and engineer in New York before joining the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.
Erika currently lives in the New York Metropolitan area with her spouse, daughter and cat. She is originally from Chicago and still considers herself a midwesterner at heart.
Erika also loves to read, write and travel (fun fact, she has visited all 50 states and more than 30 countries!). Her new book, Land Investing Mistakes: 11 True Stories You Need To Know Before Buying Land, is now available on Amazon.