Tips for Scorpion Control

Scorpions are predatory eight-legged arachnids that possess two pedipalpas, and a tail with a venom-injecting bab. Scorpions are known to grab their prey quickly with their pincers and with the tip of their tail inject their victim with poison. There are over 2,500 described species, scorpions can live in a range of habitats however most prefer semi-arid regions and deserts, during the day time scorpions hide under clutter, rocks, boards, logs,  bushes, walls, and trees but other common spots for them to rest are under piles of unraked plant leaves, pine cones, wood piles, mulch, rubbish, potted plants, etc..

Once a scorpion finds its way indoors it will seek out undisturbed areas to hide for example shoes, closets, folded cloths, crawl spaces, bedding, bathrooms, basements, under kitchen cabinets, under furniture, and damp dark areas of the home. If you have scorpion issues then this guide will help to bring control.

How to Deter Scorpions Outdoors

Because the natural habitat of scorpions is outdoor environments the key to their control indoors is first to control them outdoors which will lessen their presence indoors, here are some practices to implement that have been shown to give good results.

• Keep your yard free of clutter and other debris
• Remove leaf litter
• Trim back tree branches and other plant material that’s making contact with your house, scorpions and other insects including rodents will use overhanging branches and plants that are making contact with your home to get onto the building structure followed by seeking an entry point indoors
• If you have a scorpion issue outdoors but don’t want to introduce insecticides as a control meassure then how about getting some chickens, keeping a few chickens to freely roam on your property will bring control.
• Clean up food scraps that will encourage the presence of not only scorpions but other insects and rodents as well.
• Use outdoor yellow bulbs because bright outside lights will encourage the presence of insects that scorpions prey on or use as a food source
• Insects and rodents have bascially the common need, to seek out a food and water source along with shelter. If you have outdoor leaky, pipes or irrigation lines repair them
• Fill cracks and crevices in your home, scorpions like other insects can find their way indoors through tiny spaces. Look for gaps and holes in the foundation and around doors and windows. Seal these entry points with spray foam or caulk
• Keep woodpiles, mulches, firewood, debris, and bushes about 30 feet from the perimeter of your house

How to Control Scorpions Indoors

When seeking to keep your indoor living space free of scorpions you must implement these methods if you’re facing any of these issues.

• Sticky traps are a great way to control scorpions indoors, these traps are non-toxic and effective, and traps should be placed near areas where scorpions will most likely travel for example entry ways, walls, corners, baseboards,  etc…
• Boric Acid is effective in scorpion control, boric acid works by dehydrating the scorpions’ exoskeleton and acting as a stomach poison. Once scorpions come into contact with boric acid, it can disrupt their normal bodily functions
• Diatomaceous Earth is composed of fossilized remains of microscopic organisms called diatoms, Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around areas where scorpions are likely to hide, such as cracks, crevices, and entry points. Diatomaceous Earth damages the exoskeleton of scorpions, causing them to dehydrate and eventually die
• Fix indoor pipes and faucets that are leaking.
• Seal entry points where water and electrical pipes enter structures
• Space under doors is a great entry point for scorpions and other insects, installing a door sweep will keep them out
• Window screens if damaged or thorn should be repaired
• Ensure that all food particles are swept up from kitchen areas and other areas where foods are prepared and consumed because food particles that are not swept up will encourage insects that will attract scorpions that feed on these insects.

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

Insecticides for Scorpion Control

Based on the infestation and in some cases insecticides should be an option to control scorpions, here are a few options for outdoor and indoor use. Before using any insecticides please read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use or call a pest control company to do the job for you. It’s also important when using insecticides to wear the proper safety gear for example a strong pair of gloves, respiratory, a pair of long sleeve pants and a shirt, and a strong pair of boots especially when working outdoors to protect your feet against scorpions, rodents and other insect pests for outdoor use to control scorpions

Insecticides for Outdoor Use to Control Scorpions

• Onslaught Fastcap
• Talstar
• Demon WP
• Bifenthrin Granules
• D-Fence Dust

How to Apply Insecticides Outdoors for Scorpion Control

Insecticides should be mixed in a 1 or 2-gallon tank mix sprayer, first, fill the tank about a quarter or half of the way with water, and next, add the proper amount of insecticide according to the manufacturer’s label. Now continue to fill the tank sprayer with water until about almost full return the tank sprayer top and tighten it. Next, give the tank sprayer a good shake to ensure that the insecticide bonds with the water.

Adjust the spray nozzle so that the insecticide comes out fine and misty, apply insecticides around door and window frames, cracks and crevices that may be in the foundation, areas where plumbing pipes run out to indoors, and the door threshold. To create a barrier apply insecticide along your house foundation going 3 feet up and 3 feet out until the entire perimeter is completed. Ornamental plants that are growing along the building should be treated also. Along your garage, around firewood and other woodpiles., garbage store area, and compost pile.

D-Fence Dust is water resistant that stops insect pests for up to eight months, this powder can be applied to cracks, crevices, and voids. To use D-Fenec Dust you will need a handheld duster with a long narrow spout to do the job. Fill the duster about half of the way with the dust leaving plenty of room for air circulation, hole the duster with the cavity to the bottom shake, and squeeze to release the product. Two Puffs of dust should be sufficient to move throughout the wall void making contact with scorpions and other structural insect pests.

Granules can be placed in a fertilizer spreader and you would take the same action as you would when applying fertilizers, moving back and forth going up and down until your entire lawn is treated. Remember to read the manufacturer’s directions on the label for the best results.

Insecticides for Indoor Use to Control Scorpions

• Onslaught Fastcap
• Talstar
• Demon WP
• D-Fence Dust

How to Apply Insecticides Indoors for Scorpion Control

Follow the same method when mixing Insecticides for scorpions outdoors, once you are ready to go apply insecticide along baseboards, along the frames of windows and doors, under the kitchen cabinet, in the closet area, in your basement, behind your toilet, behind your couch and under appliances. D-Fence Dust can be applied to indoor cracks, crevices, and wall voids

Conclusion

The control of scorpions out and indoors is that simple, all it takes is some effort on your part to have a scorpion-free zone, even with the best of effort you may come across one or maybe two but the good news is you would have reduced their population even deterring them from your yard and your home. This guide is all you need to strike back to give you the results you’re looking for, so whether you’re doing the job yourself or calling the professionals you will be happy with the results as you stamp out scorpions and other insect pests eliminating them or having them on the run.