Scorpions strongly dislike the scent of several natural oils and plants. The most effective scents to use as deterrents are lavender, cedarwood, cinnamon, peppermint, and citrus.
You can also use lavender, cedar, peppermint, and other essential oils as a repellent for these desert devils. Try mixing 20 drops of your favorite lavender or cedar essential oil with water, and spray the mixture around window casings, door frames, and the foundations of your home.
Their predators include centipedes, shrews, owls, bats, hornbills, and coyotes. Some predators, like meerkats and mongooses, are immune or resistant to their venom. A scorpion's first sting is made up of different toxins than later stings.
Yes, scorpions can crawl into your bed. They are nocturnal hunters that seek out dark, quiet, and warm (or cool) hiding spots, making mattress creases and tangled blankets an attractive shelter. Certain climbing species (like the Bark scorpion) can easily scale vertical surfaces and bedding.
Scorpions are most likely to sting when threatened, so if you encounter a scorpion in the wild where it's not likely to be a threat to anyone, simply leave it alone. If you encounter one indoors, it's best not to attempt to crush it, as many scorpions are resistant to being crushed.
To kill scorpions instantly, use aerosol sprays designed specifically for spiders and scorpions, or use contact insecticides formulated with pyrethrins. Physical methods like crushing with a heavy object or piercing with long tweezers are also effective.
Scorpions are most active from March through October when temperatures consistently rise. Peak activity and mating season occur during the hottest months, typically from May through September. During these warmer months, they are highly active at night, hunting for food and seeking water.
Yes, scorpions can occasionally come up through your toilet. They are highly adept climbers, can fit through tiny openings, and are attracted to the moisture and darkness that bathrooms provide.
Yes, a scorpion can sting you in your sleep. Because scorpions are nocturnal and seek dark, confined spaces, they can hide in bedding. A sting usually happens only if you inadvertently roll over onto them, pinning them down so they strike in self-defense.
Frequent Sightings
While this might seem obvious, seeing a scorpion is the most direct sign of an infestation. If you spot one scorpion, chances are there may be more lurking nearby, as they tend to hide in groups.
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous and potentially dangerous scorpion in North America. In fact, this scorpion species is the only known species to have been fatal in the United States. Their bodies are light brown in color with a darker brown hue on their backs but fluoresce white under black light.
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:19 (KJV) When you are in Christ, He gives you the power to tread on serpents and scorpions.
Scorpions are native to roughly half of the United States, typically favoring warm, dry climates. The only U.S. states with no native, naturally occurring wild scorpions are:
No, you should not flush a live scorpion down the toilet. Scorpions are highly resilient and can survive underwater for up to two days. Because they can easily survive the trip, there is a strong chance the scorpion will crawl back up your pipes and re-enter your home.
To naturally deter scorpions, eliminate their food source (insects), seal your home’s entry points, and remove outdoor hiding spots like woodpiles. For immediate indoor defense, spray a mixture of 20 drops of essential oils (cedarwood, lavender, or peppermint) and water along baseboards and entryways.
Scorpions are secretive. They prefer hiding in dark, damp places during the day to obscure their presence. Piles of clutter, debris, and wood or rocks create suitable hiding spots that attract them.
Keeping Bedding off the Floor
Tuck all sheets, blankets, and comforters tightly under your mattress so they never touch the floor. Scorpions use hanging bedding as easy ramps to climb directly into your bed without needing to navigate your other barriers.
To kill scorpions instantly, use aerosol sprays designed specifically for spiders and scorpions, or use contact insecticides formulated with pyrethrins. Physical methods like crushing with a heavy object or piercing with long tweezers are also effective.
Arizona has both the highest concentration of scorpions and the highest number of scorpion stings in the U.S. The state is home to the Arizona Bark Scorpion, which is the most venomous scorpion in North America.
Scorpions are active year-round, but people are more likely to see them between March and October — not only outside, but inside their homes as well.
Scorpions can climb pipes and enter homes through drains. These openings also provide access to their food sources, such as crickets, cockroaches, roaches, and wasps. If you have an infestation of these insects, scorpions will follow.
Nocturnal Activity
If you suspect a scorpion nest, grab a blacklight and take a walk around your property at night. Scorpions glow under UV light, making it easier to spot them in the dark. Seeing them scurrying around at night is a sure sign there's a nest nearby.
The Arizona bark scorpion is the most venomous scorpion in North America, and its venom can cause severe pain (coupled with numbness, tingling, and vomiting) in adult humans, typically lasting between 24 and 72 hours.
Luke 10:19 is a New Testament verse where Jesus tells His disciples, "Behold, I give you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will harm you," signifying divine empowerment over evil forces, allowing believers to overcome spiritual adversaries and dangers.
Scorpions are additionally likely to die in extremely high temperatures if not well-hydrated. But if hydrated, the highest temperature they are said to survive is just over 120°F.