If you live in an area with an arid climate, especially in the southwestern United States, you are likely to be in frequent contact with scorpions. These little arachnids rarely enter people's homes, but they can cause severe scares when they get too close! However, they help control the local population of unwanted insects and animals, so you should only kill them if you have no alternative. Instead, try some of the tips described in this article to prevent scorpions from getting too close to your home.
Steps
Method 1 of 11: Remove dirt from your property
Step 1. In this way, you eliminate dark and tempting hiding places for scorpions
Remove debris and dirt from the garden, such as piles of leaves and bushes. Also get rid of the piles of stones and wood. Move them at least 15 meters from home.
- Scorpions hide in dark places during the day and go out hunting at night.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves when cleaning your property, to avoid problems with any scorpions hiding in the debris.
Method 2 of 11: Keep pruned trees close to the house
Step 1. In this way, you eliminate the natural bridges that scorpions can use to enter the house
Prune the trees so that the branches do not touch the walls of the house, so it will be more difficult for these arachnids to enter the attic or through an open window.
In some cases, scorpions like to stay in the shade of trees. Be careful when pruning, in case one of them is left nearby
Method 3 of 11: Eliminate food scraps
Step 1. Leftovers attract insects that scorpions feed on
Always sweep to remove crumbs, pet food and other leftovers both inside and outside the house. Throw all leftover food in sealed bins that insects can't get into.
If you have fruit trees, collect any fallen fruit from the garden so they don't rot and attract insects
Method 4 of 11: Seal the cracks and crevices in the house
Step 1. In this way, you prevent scorpions from entering your home through these small spaces
Walk slowly around the outside perimeter of the house looking for holes and openings, particularly near windows, doors and foundations. Seal everything with putty or spray polyurethane foam.
Look for openings around ventilation and air conditioning ducts as well
Method 5 of 11: Repair any leaks in the plumbing
Step 1. Your goal is to eliminate the water sources that attract scorpions
Fix leaking pipes so scorpions won't find water to drink in or around the house. Repair any leaking taps and pipes.
- If water gets in from the roof, fix it so that no puddles build up in the attic.
- If you have pets, empty the water bowls at night or place them in a spot that scorpions can't reach.
Method 6 of 11: Install yellow light bulbs outside
Step 1. This way, the lamps will attract fewer insects that the scorpions feed on
Change all bulbs to warm yellow light models, as they attract fewer insects; remember to turn them off when you are not using them.
Note that yellow light does not drive away insects, it simply attracts them less than white light
Method 7 of 11: Tackle insect problems
Step 1. Eliminate food sources that make your home attractive to scorpions
Look for any infestations of termites, spiders, beetles, and other insects. Eliminate them with the use of pesticides or call a pest control agency to take care of the problem.
Scorpions eat virtually all small insects, but they prefer crickets, ants, and beetles
Method 8 of 11: Try planting lavender
Step 1. There is evidence that lavender is a natural repellent for scorpions
Plant it around the perimeter of your home or garden to keep these arachnids away. Alternatively, you can place it where you most often notice scorpions on your property.
You can also try making a lavender spray by mixing half a liter of water with about 20 drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the treatment on any surfaces or areas you want to keep scorpions away from
Method 9 of 11: Light citrus candles
Step 1. Citrus aroma can also keep scorpions away
Light some citrus candles around your home or garden. Repeat this remedy every day for a few weeks or a month and see if you notice any differences in the amount of visible scorpions.
You can also try spraying citrus oils on surfaces to keep scorpions away. Pour about 20 drops of lemon essential oil into half a liter of water in a spray bottle and apply it to all surfaces you want to keep these arachnids away from
Method 10 of 11: Get some chickens
Step 1. The hens keep the insect population in check
Raise some chickens on your property and let them roost freely. Watch them happily hitting the ground looking for insects, thus limiting the natural food source for scorpions!
The chickens will also try to eat any scorpions they encounter on your property
Method 11 of 11: Catch and move scorpions
Step 1. This way, you can keep the population of these arachnids away from your property
Wear protective gloves and clothing when hunting scorpions. Pick them up with long kitchen tongs and place them in a jar. Close the container tightly and transport the distant specimens to an undisturbed natural habitat.
