Scorpions are ancient arachnids that have adapted to thrive in harsh environments, often bringing them into close proximity with human habitats. Understanding their behavior is the first step toward finding them. Scorpions are primarily nocturnal predators, seeking shelter during the day and becoming active only after sunset. Locating these creatures requires a methodical approach, focusing on specific environmental conditions and the proper tools to locate them safely and effectively.
Locating Primary Habitats
Scorpions seek out environments that offer three conditions: darkness, stable temperature, and moisture retention. They spend daylight hours concealed to avoid the sun and conserve water, making an inspection of their daytime resting spots highly effective. Outdoors, this often means checking beneath objects that trap coolness and provide overhead cover.
Common exterior hiding spots include woodpiles, stacks of bricks or landscape timbers, and large decorative stones. Scorpions frequently use the tiny gaps in a home’s foundation walls or the crevices where utility lines enter the structure as entry points. Clearing debris piles and trimming back dense vegetation that touches the house perimeter can eliminate these preferred daytime shelters.
Indoors, scorpions gravitate toward areas that mimic their natural, sheltered habitat, favoring lower levels of a structure. Basements, crawl spaces, and cluttered garages offer the dark, quiet conditions they desire. They are also attracted to sources of moisture, making utility rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms potential indoor havens. Always check items left on the floor, especially shoes and clothing, which provide an ideal dark, tight space for rest.
The Nocturnal Search: Tools and Methods
The most effective strategy for finding scorpions is to search after dark when they emerge from their daytime shelters to hunt. This active search should begin approximately one to two hours after sunset when ambient light levels are low. The primary tool for this search is a portable ultraviolet (UV) or “black” light, typically emitting light in the 365-395 nanometer range.
Scorpions fluoresce brightly under UV illumination, emitting a distinctive blue-green glow. This is caused by chemicals, such as beta-carboline, present in the hyaline layer of their exoskeleton. This fluorescent property makes them stand out dramatically against the dark background, transforming the search into a straightforward detection process.
When using the UV light, sweep the beam slowly across walls, landscaping, and the ground around the home’s foundation. Focus particularly on vertical surfaces, as scorpions are adept climbers and may be seen moving up exterior walls. Because the glow is so bright, a lower-power UV light is often sufficient for detection. Secondary methods include carefully turning over loose debris, such as flat rocks or pieces of cardboard.
Safety When Searching and Encountering Scorpions
Safety is paramount when deliberately seeking out or encountering scorpions, as they are venomous arachnids. Before beginning any search, wear thick, protective gear, including closed-toe shoes and durable leather gloves. Cowhide leather gloves are recommended as they offer a solid barrier against a stinger’s penetration while allowing necessary hand dexterity.
Never attempt to handle a scorpion directly with bare hands, regardless of the species. If a scorpion is found, it can be safely captured using long tongs or a similar tool to place it into a secure, smooth-sided container like a glass jar. Sticky traps, often used for mice, can also be placed along baseboards and entry points indoors to non-toxically capture them.
If a sting occurs, remain calm and seek immediate medical attention, especially if the individual stung is a child or the elderly, or if severe symptoms develop. The goal of the search is safe location and removal, not direct confrontation. Using the UV light and protective equipment greatly reduces the risk of an accidental encounter.