Q&A for How to Naturally Deter Scorpions

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.

Seal the entry points to your home, such as cracks in the foundation or gaps under the doors.

Yes, I have! The scorpions won't go anywhere near it. The same is true if you use cinnamon.

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.

Yes, like a glow in the dark paint. I use my black light and go looking for them with my kids for fun.

Yes. You can cook them and some can even be eaten live.

Raise what they sleep on, raise their kennel and so on.

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.

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.

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.

Vinegar does put off a strong smell that may help repel scorpions. Additionally, the acidic nature of vinegar may help keep scorpions away. Try filling a spray bottle with pure white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or malt vinegar and spray it all over the areas where you've seen scorpions to see if that helps keep them away. It may take a few applications, but the vinegar may work to keep them moving on to somewhere else. If the vinegar doesn't work, you can try switching to something else such as a lavender or citrus essential oil spray, which will leave a pleasant odor in addition to driving off scorpions.

One of the best ways to keep scorpions away is to remove anything that would entice them to return. For instance, 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. Along the same lines, if you have fruit trees, clean up any fallen fruit around your yard so it doesn’t rot and attract bugs. You can also fill cracks and crevices in your home to prevent 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. Seal everything up with caulk or spray foam. If there isn't any food or access for them, the scorpions may just move on and leave your home alone.