12 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally

Most people can’t stand the sight of scorpions, and no wonder! These armored arachnids come equipped with pinchers and a venomous sting that, in some species, can be fatal to humans. If you suspect you have scorpions in your house or yard, you’ll want to take action to get rid of them as naturally as possible. Read on for 12 effective ways to get rid of scorpions without using harsh chemicals!

1. Remove Debris from the Yard

One of the best ways to get rid of scorpions naturally is to remove potential hiding places from your property. Scorpions tend to take shelter under rocks, woodpiles, trash, and other types of debris. They are also attracted to organic waste like dead leaves. Removing debris makes scorpions less likely to approach your house. If you think you might have scorpions, make sure to check wood or other objects before bringing them inside. Keep in mind that long grass is also a potential hiding spot for these sneaky arachnids.

2. Prune Overhanging Tree Branches

One common way scorpions get into a house or yard is by climbing trees. Prune overhanging tree branches to prevent scorpions from using them to access your property, especially your house.

3. Repair Gaps or Cracks in the House

One way to get rid of scorpions is to repair any gaps or cracks in your house, including the foundation. It’s especially critical to ensure that window frames, door frames, and basements offer no points of ingress. Try caulking gaps and cracks to prevent scorpions from getting in.

4. Maintain Window and Door Screens

Like many other pests, scorpions can easily gain access to your house through holes in window and door screens. Make sure to keep these in good repair to close off other points of entry. Replace loose screens with tight-fitting screens to close off any gaps.

5. Remove Food Sources

Scorpions love to eat small bugs, so getting rid of insects around your property will deprive them of a potential food source. If you notice dead insects lying around, get rid of them immediately. Also, keep your home, especially your kitchen, free of crumbs and other food particles that might attract pests. At night, try turning off porch lights to avoid drawing insects to the house.

6. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are a popular way to get rid of scorpions and other pests. While the jury is out on whether or not these are truly effective, it might be worth giving them a try. Popular scents include lavender, cedarwood, peppermint, and cinnamon, all of which tend to repel scorpions. Either use essential oils in undiluted form or mix a few drops with water. Spray the solution along windows, doors, and other potential entry points as well as any areas where you’ve observed scorpions. Just make sure children and pets don’t ingest the solution as it can cause diarrhea and other health concerns.

7. Place Non-Toxic Sticky Traps Around the House

Sticky traps are a great way to get rid of scorpions naturally as long as you purchase the non-toxic version. Just place them around the house in problem areas and check them frequently. Once a trap has snared a scorpion, throw it away and replace it with a new one. Bear in mind that you’ll probably end up catching other arachnids or insects as well.

8. Remove Excess Moisture

Moisture naturally attracts scorpions. Avoid drawing them to your house by getting rid of sources of excess moisture, including standing water around the yard. Make sure to promptly repair any leaks around the house.

9. Use a Burlap Trap

Try using scorpions’ love of moisture against them with a homemade burlap trap. Simply dampen a burlap sack with water and leave it open overnight in problem areas. Check it for scorpions in the morning and kill or remove any you find. Remember to use tongs or wear thick protective gloves whenever you handle scorpions.

10. Use a Glass Jar

One way to get rid of scorpions is by trapping them in a glass jar or other container. Once the jar is in place, slide a piece of cardboard under the opening and flip it over. The scorpion should fall to the bottom of the jar. Then you can screw on the lid and either release the scorpion far away from your house or kill it.

11. Keep a Cat or Chickens

It may sound strange, but cats and chickens are known to effectively hunt scorpions. Just be sure to watch out for stings as this can result in serious health issues.

12. Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

Diatomaceous earth is a natural substance made from the fossilized remains of diatoms (miniscule aquatic organisms). It has a dehydrating effect on scorpions as well as sharp edges that abrade the exoskeleton. However, it’s mostly harmless to humans and pets. Sprinkle it either indoors or outdoors to kill scorpions.

How to Find Out If You Have Scorpions

One of the best ways to figure out if you have a scorpion problem is to use a UV light. Wait until it’s dark and turn out all the lights, then use the UV light to check the house and yard. Any scorpions in view will appear neon blue. Once you’ve determined you have scorpions, it’s time to come up with a solution.

Pros and Cons of Natural Solutions to Get Rid of Scorpions

There are both pros and cons to using natural solutions to get rid of scorpions.

Pros

A few pros of natural pest control solutions include:

• Healthier for humans and pets. While chemical solutions may be more effective in the short term, they can have negative health impacts on other living organisms.
• Environmentally friendly. Natural solutions generally won’t harm the environment, including any plants or gardens you wish to cultivate.
• Insects won’t develop a resistance. Insects often develop a resistance to insecticides, making it more difficult to exterminate them, but they won’t develop a resistance to natural solutions.
• Cheap. Most natural solutions are cheap, often relying on common household items or cost-free solutions.

Cons

A few cons of natural pest control solutions include:

• Often not as effective as chemical solutions. While natural solutions are generally healthier, they may not be as effective as harsher chemical solutions.
• Slower-acting. While some natural solutions are effective, they usually take longer to work than chemical solutions.
• Less reliable. Natural solutions may not work every time or on every type of pest.

What to Do If a Scorpion Stings You

Of the nearly 2,000 species of scorpions, only 30-40 are capable of seriously harming a human. That said, a scorpion sting will be extremely painful whether or not it’s fatal. If a scorpion stings you, contact a doctor or poison control center immediately. If possible, try to identify the scorpion species. Clean the wound with soap and water and apply a cold compress while elevating the area to the level of your heart. If necessary, take painkillers to dull the pain, but avoid sedatives.

Symptoms of a scorpion sting may include:

• Intense pain at the site of the sting
• Swelling or itching
• Altered skin color
• Abdominal pain or cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Weakness, drowsiness, or fainting
• Numb tongue or slurred speech
• Respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
• Increased salivation, sweat, or tears
• Vision problems
• Convulsions

Summary Table of 12 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Scorpions Naturally