Can I Eliminate a Scorpion Infestation on My Own?

Causes of Scorpion Infestations

Scorpion infestations can be a difficult and dangerous problem for homeowners. Not only are these arachnids impressive hunters with painful stings, but they can also be difficult to spot and even harder to eliminate. Understanding what causes a scorpion infestation is the first step towards getting rid of them for good. 

One of the most significant contributing factors to scorpion infestations is the presence of a food source. Scorpions are primarily insectivores and feed on insects such as crickets, roaches, and spiders. If these prey insects are abundant in and around a property, they can attract scorpions. Keep your property clean and free of potential food sources.

Another factor that contributes to scorpion infestations is the presence of desirable hiding spots and habitats. Scorpions require certain conditions to thrive, such as warm environments, tight spaces, and moisture. You will often find them in the following places. 

• Crawl spaces
• Piles of wood or yard debris
• Cracks in walls
• Under rocks or wood chips
• Window frames and wall voids

Clearing away yard debris and sealing potential entry points can help reduce the likelihood of an infestation.

Finally, weather can also play a role in scorpion infestations. Hot, dry weather can force scorpions inside in search of moisture, especially if there is a nearby food or water source. Similarly, heavy rains can drive scorpions out of their usual hiding spots and into homes looking for shelter. Remain aware of weather patterns and use preventative measures, such as weather stripping, to help protect your home from these unwanted guests.

Can I Eliminate a Scorpion Infestation on My Own?

If you have noticed scorpions in and around your home, you may wonder if you can eliminate the infestation on your own. While it is technically possible to take care of a scorpion problem without the help of a professional pest control company, you must consider the risks and limitations of this approach.

First and foremost, to truly eliminate a scorpion problem, you must solve the underlying problem. Simply killing every scorpion you encounter will not stop the infestation. You must also address the presence of food sources and ideal scorpion habitats on your property. Completing this task can be difficult for those without professional experience in pest control.

Further complicating matters is that scorpions can hide in hard-to-reach places, such as wall voids and crawl spaces. Therefore, it can be challenging to fully eliminate an infestation without specialized equipment and techniques.

That said, with the right approach, many people can successfully eliminate a scorpion infestation on their own. Some of the best strategies include the following. 

• Sealing potential entry points: Scorpions often enter homes through cracks, gaps, and holes in walls, floors, and foundations. If you can identify and seal these entry points, you can prevent new scorpions from getting in.
• Clearing away clutter: Scorpions like to hide in piles of wood, yard debris, and other clutter. Removing these hiding spots can reduce the likelihood of an infestation taking hold.
• Using sticky traps: Sticky traps can capture and kill individual scorpions. While this approach may not completely eliminate an infestation, it can help reduce the population and make the problem more manageable.
• Applying insecticide dust: Insecticide dust can effectively kill scorpions, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and wear protective gear while using these products.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to try to eliminate a scorpion infestation on your own or to hire a professional pest control company depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The severity of the infestation
• The types of scorpions present
• Your comfort level when handling pesticides and other pest control methods

If you choose to take on the problem yourself, research the best strategies and take all necessary safety precautions. And if you are uncertain or feel overwhelmed, you should seek the help of a professional.

Finding and Eliminating Scorpion Food Sources and Nesting Areas 

The number task for the person attempting DIY scorpion control is to find and eliminate all sources of food and shelter for scorpions. By identifying and addressing these key areas, you can help to prevent scorpions from taking over your property.

Where Do Scorpions Look for Food?

Scorpions are predatory arachnids that, like most living things, need food to survive. Scorpions are known for their nocturnal behavior, actively hunting for their prey at night. You will find scorpions in a range of environments, from deserts to forests. They can enter homes and other buildings through small cracks and crevices. Once inside, they will continue hunting for insects and other prey, seeking moisture and shelter. Therefore, knowing where scorpions find food is crucial to eliminating an infestation. 

Scorpions feed on various insects spanning many environments, such as dark and moist areas, debris, and crevices. Scorpions detect their prey by using specialized organs located on their body called sensory hairs. These hairs allow scorpions to sense their prey’s vibrations and movements, helping them locate and capture their food.

Scorpions are known for their ability to adapt to their surroundings and, as such, have developed specific hunting behaviors. Bark scorpions, for example, are known for their ability to climb walls and ceilings to hunt insects. They cling to these surfaces using specialized hairs on their pincers.

The best way to keep scorpions out is to keep your home clean and debris-free, seal up cracks and crevices, and control the insect population. 

Common Areas Where Scorpions Nest in Houses

Scorpions can enter homes through even the smallest cracks and crevices, making it difficult to keep them out. However, they will reliably nest in certain areas of your home, which we describe in detail below. 

• Crawl spaces and attics: Crawl spaces and attics are dark, tight spaces that provide perfect nesting conditions for scorpions. In addition, these spaces are often full of debris, such as leaves and wood chips, which provide a source of food for scorpions in addition to shelter. 
• Piles of wood and yard debris: Outside, scorpions are attracted to piles of wood and yard debris. These areas are also often home to insects, which provide a great food source for scorpions. 
• Cracks in walls and floors: Scorpions can fit through even the smallest gaps. Once inside, they may nest in the voids behind walls or under floors. 
• Window frames and doorways: Open windows and doors often provide a great avenue for scorpions to enter your home. They may then nest in the frames or nearby areas. 
• Other dark spaces: Scorpions are nocturnal creatures and prefer to nest in dark spaces, including closets, basements, and other areas not frequently used or properly lit. 

Understanding the best nesting spots for scorpions is important for effective pest control. By taking preventative measures, such as maintaining a clean and clutter-free yard, sealing up cracks and crevices, and keeping your home well-lit, you can reduce the chances of a scorpion infestation.

Signs of an Active Scorpion Infestation

Scorpions can be a major problem if they enter your home. Knowing the signs that indicate an active scorpion infestation will help you eliminate the problem. These signs include the following. 

• Nighttime sightings: Scorpions are nocturnal. If you see scorpions in your home at night, you can assume you have an infestation. 
• Finding dead scorpions: Finding dead scorpions around your home is a good indication that there is an active infestation. Scorpions often mate and reproduce in large numbers, so even if you only find a few dead scorpions, there are likely many more you do not see. 
• Unusual sounds: Scorpions make a clicking or scratching sound when they move. When many scorpions are present, this noise will be audible to humans. If you hear any unusual sounds, particularly at night, look for other signs of a scorpion infestation.
• Painful stings: While scorpions generally won’t sting unless they feel threatened, it’s still important to be aware of the possibility. Scorpion stings can be extremely painful and even dangerous in some cases. The risk of scorpion stings increases if you have an active infestation.
• Other pest infestations: Scorpions often prey on other insects, so scorpions may also be present if you have an infestation of another type of insect. 

The longer you wait, the worse the infestation can become, so take immediate steps to solve your scorpion problem if you notice any of these signs.

Using Black Light for Scorpion Detection and Control

Scorpions are notoriously difficult to detect, as they are mostly active at night and can hide in tiny crevices and cracks.  Most experts use a black light for scorpion detection and control.

The black light works because scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, which makes them highly visible in the dark. With the help of a black light, you can easily spot scorpion hideouts throughout your property.

How Does Ultraviolet Light Help Detect Scorpions?

Black lights use ultraviolet (UV) light to help you detect scorpions. The most readily available black light for homeowners comes in the form of a flashlight. This type of flashlight emits UV light and can be purchased at most hardware stores or online. When you shine the black light on a scorpion, it will glow, allowing you to quickly and easily spot the scorpions on your property.

UV light works to illuminate scorpions because of their exoskeleton, which contains a substance called hyaline. Hyaline glows under UV light, making it easy to see them even in complete darkness.

It’s important to note that not all species of scorpions fluoresce well under UV light because they have less hyaline in their exoskeleton. The striped bark scorpion, one of the most common in the United States, is a great example of this issue. While it does fluoresce, it does not glow as brightly as other species, making it harder to detect with a black light.

Use your black light flashlight to detect scorpions at night when they are the most active. Focus your search on areas where scorpions are likely to hide, such as crawl spaces, piles of wood or yard debris, and window frames. 

Using Ultraviolet Light to Spot and Catch Scorpions

UV light works best at night. That is when scorpions are the most active as they hunt for their prey. The darkness will also make it easier to see the scorpions’ glow. 

Use the following process to find scorpions using your UV black light. 

• Step 1: Focus on areas where scorpions are likely to hide. The black light will help you find the scorpions hiding in tiny spaces as well as those out in the open. 
• Step 2: Be ready to employ scorpion extermination tactics immediately. The best way to catch scorpions is to use sticky traps. Stick these on the floor or in the areas where you have found scorpions. 
• Step 3: Once you remove your current scorpion problem, you should take preventative measures to avoid a scorpion infestation in the future. Use the prevention methods discussed in the next section to ensure your home remains scorpion free. 

Preventing Future Infestations by Reducing Attractive Conditions for Scorpions

Prevention is essential to keeping scorpions out of your home. Here are the best scorpion-prevention methods.

• Eliminate food sources: Scorpions prey on insects and other small creatures. If your property has a thriving insect population, it will likely attract scorpions. To reduce the number of insects in your home and yard, consider using insecticides, clearing away yard debris, and eliminating standing water.
• Seal entry points: Scorpions can squeeze through tiny cracks and gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Seal any openings using weather stripping, sealant, or caulk to minimize the risk of scorpions entering your home. Also, consider installing door sweeps to ensure scorpions cannot get in by crawling under your doors.
• Reduce hiding spots: Scorpions like to hide in dark, secluded areas like crawl spaces, piles of wood, and clutter. Reducing hiding spots will make it more difficult for scorpions to reside on your property. Clear away piles of debris, and keep your yard and home well-organized and tidy.
• Manage moisture levels: Moist environments attract scorpions. Therefore, you must reduce the humidity levels by using a dehumidifier. Experts also recommend fixing leaks to control the scorpion population. 
• Consider professional pest control: While you can manage your scorpion problem yourself, you will get better results using professional pest control. Consider working with a pest control professional who has experience dealing with scorpions. They can provide you with a comprehensive plan for preventing future infestations and help you eliminate any pests that find their way inside.

Remember, prevention is always the best approach to pest control, so take action today to protect your home and family.

When to Call a Truly Nolen Pest Professional

Homeowners face a variety of pest problems throughout the year. From common insects like scorpions and spiders to occasional invaders like rodents and wildlife, pests can cause significant damage to homes, property, and human health. While there are many do-it-yourself solutions available, some infestations require the expertise of a pest control professional.

Here are some signs that you need the help of a Truly Nolen pest professional:

• Scorpions are everywhere: If the DIY pest control solutions are no longer working and you cannot get the scorpions out of your home, it’s time to call in the professionals. A pest control expert can identify the source of the infestation and create a targeted treatment plan to eliminate the problem.
• Health risks: Scorpions can pose serious health risks to you, your family, and your pets. Call a pest control professional if you notice an upswing in scorpion activity, especially in the kitchen or bathroom.
• DIY efforts have not worked: Scorpions are resilient creatures and can be challenging to eliminate. If you have tried multiple DIY methods and the problem persists, it’s time to call for backup. Pest control experts can access specialized equipment and products to eliminate the most stubborn pest infestations.
• Prevention and maintenance: Scorpion control is not only about eliminating existing infestations but preventing future ones as well. Pest control professionals can provide preventative maintenance services to keep scorpions away from your home for good. 

If you are dealing with a scorpion infestation beyond your control, call a Truly Nolen pest professional. They will identify the source of the infestation and provide corrective action to prevent future problems. Don’t let scorpions take over your home. Call in the experts today.