How to Naturally Deter Scorpions

If you live in an arid climate, especially somewhere in the southwestern United States like Arizona, chances are you’re living alongside scorpions. These little critters rarely enter homes, but it can give you quite a fright if you see one a little too close for comfort! Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep them away.

Here are 11 effective, all-natural ways to deter scorpions from your home.

Method 1
Method 1 of 11:
Clear your property of debris.

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    This gets rid of dark, appealing hiding places. Clean up yard waste like piles of leaves and brush. Get rid of stacks of rocks or lumber as well. Move wood piles at least 50 ft (15 m) away from your home.[1]
    • Scorpions hide out in dark places during the day and come out at night to hunt.[2]
    • Wear long-sleeved clothing and gloves when you’re cleaning up your property in case there are any scorpions hiding in piles of debris.

Method 2
Method 2 of 11:
Keep trees trimmed away from your home.

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    This removes natural bridges that scorpions can use to get inside. Prune trees so their branches are not touching the sides of your home. That way, scorpions are less likely to find their way into your attic or through an open window.[3]
    • Scorpions sometimes like to hang out in the shade underneath trees. Be careful when you’re pruning in case there are any nearby.

Method 3
Method 3 of 11:
Clean up food scraps.

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    Food scraps attract insects that scorpions feed on. Always sweep up crumbs, spilled pet food, and other scraps from inside and outside your home. Dispose of food scraps in a sealed trash can where insects can’t get to it.[4]
    • If you have fruit trees, clean up any fallen fruit around your yard so it doesn’t rot and attract bugs.

Method 4
Method 4 of 11:
Fill cracks and crevices in your home.

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    This prevents scorpions from finding their way inside through tiny spaces. Walk slowly around the outside of your home and look for holes and gaps, especially around windows, doors, and the foundation.[5] Seal everything up with caulk or spray foam.[6]

Method 5
Method 5 of 11:
Fix any leaks in your plumbing.

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    This removes sources of water that attract scorpions. Fix leaky pipes so less water accumulates in and around your home for scorpions to drink. Repair leaky faucets and any other leaks in your home.[8]
    • If you have any roof leaks, fix those as well so water doesn’t accumulate in your attic.
    • If you have pets, leave water dishes empty at night or elevate them somewhere that scorpions can’t reach them.

Method 6
Method 6 of 11:
Put yellow light bulbs in your outdoor lights.

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    This way, your lights attract less insects that scorpions like to eat. Change all your outdoor light bulbs to warm, yellow bulbs to attract fewer bugs. Leave your lights off when you’re not using them.[9]
    • Note that yellow light doesn’t deter insects, it just attracts them less than white light does.

Method 7
Method 7 of 11:
Deal with any insect problems.

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    This gets rid of food sources that make your home attractive to scorpions. Check for infestations of things like termites, spiders, cockroaches, and other bugs. Kill them with pesticide or call a pest control company to deal with the problem.[10]
    • Scorpions eat just about any small insect, but they especially love crickets, ants, and cockroaches.

Method 8
Method 8 of 11:
Try planting lavender.

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    There is evidence that lavender may repel scorpions. Plant lavender around the perimeter of your home or yard to repel scorpions naturally. Or, plant lavender in certain areas where you tend to see scorpions on your property.[11]
    • You can also try making a lavender spray by mixing a couple cups of water and 20 drops or so of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto any surfaces or areas you want to repel scorpions from.

Method 9
Method 9 of 11:
Light citric candles.

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    Citrus scents may also repel scorpions. Light some citric candles around your home or outside in your yard. Do this every day for a few weeks or a month to see if it makes a difference in the number of scorpions you see.[12]
    • You can also try spraying citrus oils on surfaces to repel scorpions. Mix about 20 drops of essential lemon oil with a couple cups of water in a spray bottle and spray it wherever you want to deter scorpions from going.

Method 10
Method 10 of 11:
Get some chickens.

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    Chickens keep insect populations down. Keep a few chickens on your property and let them roam freely. Watch them happily peck away at the ground as they scour it for bugs, reducing the natural food supply for scorpions![13]
    • Chickens may also try to eat any scorpions they come across if they’re still coming onto your property.

Method 11
Method 11 of 11:
Catch and relocate scorpions.

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    This can shift populations away from your property. Wear protective clothing and gloves when hunting for scorpions. Pick a scorpion up with a long pair of kitchen tongs and pit it inside a jar. Seal the jar securely and transport the scorpion far away to an undisturbed natural habitat.[14]
    • Scorpions come out more at night and they glow in the dark under black UV light. Buy a black light and go looking for scorpions at night to find more that you can catch and relocate.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Where do scorpions hide in the house?
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.”
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Expert Answer
    Scorpions hide in dark places such as basements or under the beds. They sit in things that have not been moved or used for a long time, like old shoes.
  • Question
    How do you prevent scorpions from entering the house?
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.”
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Samuel Ramsey, PhD
    Entomologist
    Expert Answer
    Seal the entry points to your home, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps under the doors.
  • Question
    I have found peppermint oil works better than lavender. The scorpions won't cross the barrier. Has anyone else found this to be true?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, I have! The scorpions won't go anywhere near it. The same is true if you use cinnamon.
  • Question
    Are scorpions poison and can they kill humans?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It depends on the scorpion, but most scorpions in the US are about as venomous as a bee or wasp. A sting would be enough to hurt, but unless you are allergic, most will not do any lasting damage. The only deadly scorpion in the US is the Arizona bark scorpion.
  • Question
    Do scorpions glow under mercury light?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, like a glow in the dark paint. I use my black light and go looking for them with my kids for fun.
  • Question
    Can I eat scorpions?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can cook them and some can even be eaten live.
  • Question
    How can I protect my dog from scorpions?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Raise what they sleep on, raise their kennel and so on.
  • Question
    Will scorpions go away if I have a clean dry room?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, the only reason they may not is if they are trying to escape the elements. Usually if there is no food, no place to nest, and nowhere to hide, they still may pass through, but they won't stay. As stated above, use lavender or citrus, and weatherproof windows, doors and cracks so they can't get in. Also, pour a little bleach down your drains to keep them from crawling up. Check your washer and dryer area, especially the mesh on the exhaust from the dryer.
  • Question
    I have a very large palm tree on my patio close to the house that I would like to have skinned, but am afraid this will bring out the possible scorpions living in the bark. I am in Arizona. Should I worry?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They do like to nest in them, especially at the top if not maintained and cleaned. Many nests have been found there. Get a decent black light (good range/strength) and go to the palm tree at night and see. I've only seen 20 - 40 in one, but I've heard of nests of a hundred in a palm tree.
  • Question
    What smell do scorpions hate?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Scorpions appear to hate the smell of lavender. There is evidence that lavender may repel scorpions. You can try to plant lavender around the perimeter of your home or yard to repel scorpions naturally. Or, plant lavender in certain areas where you tend to see scorpions. On other option is to make your own lavender spray by mixing a couple cups of water and 20 drops or so of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto any surfaces or areas you want to repel scorpions from. Citrus smell may also repel scorpions. Light some citric candles around your home or outside in your yard. You could also make a spray with by mixing about 20 drops of essential lemon oil with a couple cups of water in a spray bottle and spray it wherever you want to deter scorpions from going.
Show more answers

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDi9gwXqnM&t=45s
  2. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
  3. ↑ https://www.austinmonthly.com/how-to-keep-your-home-scorpion-free/
  4. ↑ https://schoolofbugs.com/what-are-scorpions-attracted-to-lets-find-out/
  5. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDi9gwXqnM&t=91s
  7. ↑ Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Entomologist. Expert Interview. 20 January 2021.
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDi9gwXqnM&t=118s
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvDi9gwXqnM&t=135s
  1. ↑ https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g7364
  2. ↑ https://www.reference.com/pets-animals/lavender-repel-scorpions-28979960ad9c2b94
  3. ↑ https://floridaindependent.com/does-lavender-keep-scorpions-away-natural-repellent/
  4. ↑ https://bugwiz.com/get-rid-of-scorpions/
  5. ↑ https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/scorpions2015.html

About This Article

Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Co-authored by:
Samuel Ramsey, PhD
Entomologist
This article was co-authored by Samuel Ramsey, PhD. Dr. Samuel Ramsey is an Entomologist and a researcher with the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ramsey has extensive knowledge of symbiosis and specializes in insect disease spread, parasite behavior, mutualism development, biological control, invasive species ecology, pollinator health, and insect pest control. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Ramsey’s research on bees has enabled researchers to develop targeted control techniques to restore honey bee populations worldwide. He also hosts a YouTube series called “Dr. Buggs.” This article has been viewed 512,592 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 21
Updated: October 22, 2021
Views: 512,592
Categories: Featured Articles | Pest Control | Garden Pests and Weeds