Scorpions are ancient, nocturnal arachnids, related to spiders and ticks. While they feed on insects and play a role in the ecosystem, their venomous sting makes their presence near homes concerning. Many homeowners seek natural, effective, and safer alternatives to harsh chemical pesticides for control. The following strategies provide non-chemical approaches for eliminating scorpions and preventing their return.
Biological Control: Natural Enemies
Encouraging natural predators is a long-term, sustainable strategy for keeping outdoor scorpion populations in check. Some domestic animals, like chickens and guinea fowl, actively hunt and consume scorpions, reducing their numbers in the yard and garden areas. These birds are effective foragers that scratch through soil and debris, often finding scorpions and their prey.
Certain species of lizards, such as the Texas horned lizard, also naturally prey on scorpions. Making an outdoor space welcoming to these animals fosters a self-regulating ecosystem that discourages large scorpion colonies. While some housecats may hunt scorpions, this approach involves a risk of the pet being stung and should be approached with caution. Biological controls support overall population reduction but are not a solution for immediate indoor elimination.
Physical Killing Agents
Physical methods offer direct extermination by targeting the scorpion’s external anatomy, causing death through dehydration or immobility. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a highly effective, non-toxic substance composed of the fossilized remains of microscopic aquatic organisms. This fine powder works mechanically, as its jagged, microscopic particles are abrasive to the scorpion’s exoskeleton.
When a scorpion crawls over a light dusting of DE, the particles inflict tiny cuts, compromising the protective waxy layer of the cuticle. This damage leads to rapid desiccation, causing the scorpion to lose internal moisture and die from dehydration. Use food-grade DE and apply only a very thin, barely visible layer in cracks, crevices, and along the home’s perimeter.
A thick layer decreases effectiveness as scorpions will walk around it. Sticky traps, designed for insects, can also effectively immobilize scorpions indoors, offering a non-toxic capture method.
Essential Oils and Plant-Based Sprays
Concentrated essential oils can be utilized as both direct-contact killers and powerful repellents. Cedar oil interferes with a scorpion’s respiratory system, leading to suffocation when applied directly to the arachnid. The oil also possesses a strong aromatic profile that disorients scorpions, making treated areas unappealing for hunting or resting.
Peppermint oil is another effective option, as the high concentration of compounds like menthol and linalool acts as a neurotoxin to scorpions. This potent scent is also thought to mask the pheromones scorpions use for navigation and communication, further disrupting their activity.
Homeowners can create a simple, concentrated spray solution by mixing approximately 20 drops of a chosen essential oil, such as peppermint or cedar, with one cup of water and a small amount of dish soap to help emulsify the oil. This mixture can be sprayed directly onto a scorpion for quick knockdown or used to create a temporary barrier along baseboards and window sills. Cinnamon oil and lavender oil also exhibit repellent properties and can be incorporated into these plant-based sprays.
Modifying the Environment for Long-Term Control
The most effective long-term strategy involves eliminating the conditions that attract scorpions by removing their shelter, water, and food sources. Scorpions seek refuge in dark, secluded, and moist areas during the day, so removing outdoor clutter is a primary action. This includes clearing away woodpiles, stacked lumber, loose bricks, rocks, and yard debris close to the foundation of the home.
Trimming back bushes, vines, and tree branches that touch the house walls prevents scorpions from climbing onto the structure and finding entry points. Since scorpions are attracted to moisture, fix leaky outdoor faucets, ensure gutters drain properly, and manage irrigation to prevent standing water.
Sealing all potential entry points into the home is equally important, requiring caulking cracks in the foundation and walls, installing weather stripping under doors, and ensuring window screens are intact. Reducing the population of prey insects, such as crickets and cockroaches, through general pest management also eliminates the scorpions’ food supply, encouraging them to move elsewhere.