9 Ways to Get rid of Scorpions Naturally [Step by Step Process]
Scorpions are arthropods belonging to the class Arachnida, same as spiders, ticks, and mites. They are found in all regions on earth. Scorpions are easily identifiable by their characteristic tails with a stinger at the end.
This stinger contains venom which can be dangerous to humans and other animals. When threatened scorpions raise their tail, looking to sting, which gives them their characteristic look.
Scorpions are nocturnal creatures and are active mostly at night. They eat insects and other bugs. Scorpions play an important role in maintaining the ecological balance, but because they are feared for their potent venom, they are often called pests.
9 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally
1. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized shells of algae or marine organisms called diatoms. They are available in powder form and are effective at killing pests.
Diatomaceous earth particles are very sharp and stick to the limbs and exoskeleton of the scorpion before penetrating its body. Once inside the body, it absorbs moisture and fat thus dehydrating the scorpion.
Required Material:
- Diatomaceous earth powder
Step by Step Process:
- Start by identifying the places where you have seen the scorpions.
- Sprinkle the DE powder evenly in those areas. Once the scorpions make contact with the powder they will die.
- This is not a quick process, so you may have to wait for a few days to see the result
Precautions:
Make sure to use food-grade DE which is not harmful to pets. Inhaling DE powder can be harmful, so wear a mask while using it.
2. Boric Acid
Boric acid is an effective killer of scorpions. It is also easily available in pharmacies or your local Walmart. Boric acid works the same way as Diatomaceous Earth.
On contact, it sticks to the scorpion’s body. It gradually destroys the exoskeleton of the scorpion causing dehydration and ultimately death. This method takes a bit of time but is very effective.
Required Material:
- Boric acid powder
- Water
- Spray bottle
Step by Step Process:
- Identify the areas where you have seen the scorpions.
- Mix Boric acid and water in the ratio 1:2
- Heat the mixture and stir till the Boric acid dissolves.
- Pour it into the spray bottle.
- Spray the areas where you have seen the scorpions.
- You can also sprinkle Boric acid powder in those areas instead of mixing with water.
- Wait for a few days to see the results.
Precautions:
Boric acid can be harmful to kids or pets. Keep them away from the areas while using it. Make sure to wear gloves while handling large quantities.
3. Hole Traps
This method is useful to eliminate scorpions in the yard or outside the house. It consists of digging holes in the ground and placing containers or jars inside the holes to trap the scorpions.
Required Material:
- Containers or jars
Step by Step Process:
- Identify the areas where the scorpions have been spotted.
- Dig holes in the areas.
- Place the containers inside the holes.
- Cover the areas around the containers with earth.
- Leave the traps overnight. Scorpions enter the containers get trapped inside.
Precautions:
This is a completely safe and natural method and no precautions are necessary.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils like lavender and especially cedarwood oils can kill scorpions if used in highly concentrated form.
Scorpions are repelled by these oils. Spraying a strong solution of these essential oils can get rid of scorpions. These essential oils are easily available in stores.
Required Material:
- Essential Oil (Cedarwood or Lavender). You may even try mixing them together.
- Warm water.
- A spray bottle
Step by Step Process:
- Fill the spray bottle with warm water.
- Add about 20-25 drops of the essential oils.
- Spray it directly on the scorpions or in the areas where they are normally spotted.
Precautions:
Essential oils are not harmful and precautions are not necessary.
5. UV Light
Using an Ultra Violet light can help you spot scorpions at night. The exoskeletons of scorpions glow in UV light. After spotting them you can easily get rid of them. UV light lamps are easily available in stores or you can order them online.
Required Material:
- UV Light or Electric Black Light lamp
Step by Step Process:
- Identify the areas or rooms where you have seen the scorpions.
- Shine the UV light lamp in those areas at night.
- The scorpions will emit blue-green light.
- Once you find the scorpions get rid of them.
Precautions:
Scorpions are very active at night and you might get stung if you are not careful. Use gloves while handling them.
6. Sticky Traps
Sticky traps or glue traps are easily available in stores. They are a good way of catching and getting rid of scorpions, insects and other pests.
Sticky traps consist of cardboard pieces that have a layer of glue on them. The scorpions get stuck to the glue and cannot move. Normally sticky traps have scents that are designed to attract pests.
Required Material:
- Sticky trap
Step by Step Process:
- Identify the areas where scorpions were seen.
- Place the sticky traps in those areas.
- Leave them overnight
- Inspect them in the morning and you may find scorpions stuck to them.
Precautions:
Sticky traps are safe and do not contain pesticides, so precautions are not needed.
7. Raising Chickens
If you live in a farm or have enough space around the house you may want to try out this method. Breeding chickens to combat scorpions work in two ways.
Chickens eat scorpions as well as the insects that are the food source of the scorpions. Once the food source is gone the scorpions will go too unless they get eaten first by the chickens.
Required Material:
- Chickens
Step by Step Process:
- Let the chickens loose in the yard or grounds at night.
- Repeat every night till the scorpions have vanished.
8. Jar and Cardboard
You can capture scorpions using a jar and a piece of cardboard. For this method you need to spot the scorpion.
Required Material:
- Glass Jar
- Piece of cardboard
Step by Step Process:
- Once you spot a scorpion place the jar over it upside down.
- Once the scorpion gets trapped slide the cardboard piece to cover the mouth of the jar.
- Turn the jar back up so the scorpion falls back inside.
- Close the jar with a lid and the scorpion won’t get out.
Precautions:
Wear gloves so you won’t get stung by the scorpion.
9. Wet Burlap bags
This method works best during hot and dry weather. It consists of spreading wet burlap bags around the floor at night.
The moisture in the bag attracts scorpions and they crawl inside it to escape the heat.
Required Material:
- Burlap bags
Step by Step Process:
- Identify areas where you have seen the scorpions.
- Wet the burlap bags with water.
- Place them on the floors if it’s indoor or on the ground around those infested areas and leave them overnight.
- In the morning carefully inspect the bags. You are likely to find scorpions inside.
Precautions:
Be careful that you don’t get stung while inspecting the bags. Wear gloves if possible.
8 Natural Ways to Prevent Scorpions
We have looked at some of the best natural methods of getting rid of scorpions. Now let’s talk about natural ways of preventing them from visiting your home.
1. Eliminate hiding places in your home
Scorpions like to hide in dark places. Indoors they can be found in sheltered spots. This includes shoes, cloth piles, dark closets and kitchen sinks.
As a precaution don’t leave shoes lying on the floor. Keep them in a closed place to prevent scorpions from crawling inside.
Avoid having clothes lying around on the floor for the same reason. Check your closets regularly as well as kitchen sinks.
Scorpions are attracted to the area under kitchen sinks. The moisture and darkness make it a perfect place for them to hide. Inspecting them regularly is a good way of preventing scorpions from hiding there.
2. Clean the yard
Stones, boards, bricks, and other clutter in your yard make fine hiding places for scorpions. Remove them and keep the area clean.
Keeping your indoor and outdoor areas moisture-free is one way to keep out scorpions. Mow the grass regularly. Remove garbage from your yard area.
3. Keep the garden neat
Cut overhanging branches of trees regularly. This prevents scorpions from finding a way to the roof. Scorpions like to avoid the heat of the day and hide in any part of the garden that provides shelter.
Cutting away dense shrubbery is one way of preventing them from entering the garden. Clear away fallen leaves and branches and make sure the garden is free from clutter.
4. Use sealants or caulk
Scorpions can enter the house through cracks in the walls or windows. Use sealants or caulk to seal these cracks.
Seal any cracks you find under kitchen or bathroom cabinets where pipes are present. Make sure the pipes are not cracked as this can be an entry point for scorpions. Have them sealed if they are.
5. Repair window screens
Scorpions can get inside through gaps in the windows. You have to make sure the windows are fitting properly in their frames.
Have them repaired if they aren’t. Make sure other bugs or insects cannot get in too as they are the food source for scorpions.
6. Storage of firewood
Scorpions can often be found hiding in firewood heaps. Avoid storing them indoors and if that’s not possible, make sure to keep them off the ground.
Insects and bugs also hide in firewood heaps, so storing firewood above the ground level also helps in removing the food source of scorpions.
7. Removing the food source
Insects and bugs are the primary food source of scorpions. The more insects you have the more the chances of having scorpions.
Eliminating insects is a major way of preventing scorpions from entering your home. Keeping the house and surrounding areas clean and litter-free is the best way to prevent insects.
8. Essential oils
Scorpions are repelled by essential oils like cedarwood and lavender. In case of an infestation spray the infested areas with a solution of water and essential oils. Spraying around windows and other entry points would help keep them away.
Top 5 Natural Scorpion Repellents Available Online
If you are looking for readily availablenaturalrepellents to get rid of Scorpions, check below listed 5 best Natural/Organic Repellents.
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Final Comments:
Scorpions are not normally pests. They are an essential part of the ecosystem. However, they can pose danger to humans and pets.
Knowing how to control scorpions can help us avoid these dangers. We have listed quite a few methods here and we hope you find them helpful.