What draws scorpions to a house
Scorpions come for food, water and shelter. Insects are their food, so a home with a lot of bugs draws them. Damp spots give them water. Boards, stones, firewood and debris next to the house give them shelter, and gaps around the house give them a way in.
Steps that make a difference
- Seal gaps and cracks. Caulk foundation cracks and gaps around pipes, windows and doors.
- Fix door sweeps and weather stripping. A gap under a door is an open invitation.
- Check screens on windows and vents.
- Clear debris and move firewood, lumber and rock piles away from the walls.
- Do not leave shoes, towels or clothing outside. Shake out anything that has been outdoors.
- Fix leaks and reduce standing water around the house.
- Cut down on insects. Some Utah wildlife guidance suggests using sodium vapor bulbs outdoors, which attract fewer insects than standard bulbs.
Landscaping matters
Rock and gravel right against the foundation, dense plantings against the wall and stacked pavers all give scorpions places to hide close to the house. Leaving a clear strip along the foundation helps. Keep branches and vines trimmed back from the walls and roof.
Inside the house
- Reduce clutter in garages, closets and storage rooms.
- Use sealed plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes.
- Check bathrooms and laundry rooms, where moisture attracts prey.
What professional treatment adds
Sealing and cleanup reduce the problem, and treatment cuts the number that make it inside. Scorpion and spider treatment is included with our pest control service. See scorpion control. No company can promise zero scorpions in the desert, and we will not.
Room-by-room checklist
- Bathrooms and laundry: fix drips, seal around pipes and check under sinks.
- Garage: replace worn door seals, use sealed bins and keep stored items off the floor.
- Bedrooms: keep shoes and clothes off the floor and shake them out before use.
- Kitchen: control crumbs and other insects that scorpions prey on.
- Outside: clear a strip along the foundation and check the walls for gaps.
Common mistakes
- Relying on a spray alone and leaving gaps and hiding places in place
- Stacking firewood or pavers against the house
- Ignoring small gaps around doors and windows
- Leaving shoes, towels or toys outside overnight