Merely looking at the body shape and appearance of scorpions, one might think they can’t scale vertical structures like walls. But that is not true.
Just like other arachnids, scorpions can climb any rough surface using the small pincers on their feet. These pincers, sometimes called chelae, allow them to firmly grip rough surfaces such as rocks, stucco walls and trees.
However, the fact that scorpions are great wall climbers does not mean they can climb any surface. They have difficulty climbing glass, plastic, metals and other smooth surfaces. These surfaces do not provide sufficient foothold for their pincers to latch on.
If you notice scorpions in your home, contacting pest control professionals is best. Deterring scorpions on your own can be overwhelming as these pests are resilient and difficult to locate. Pest control specialists can deal with the situation. You can even take advantage of their visit to ask other pest-related questions, like “How long can ticks live in a house?”
Why Would Scorpions Enter Your Home?
After settling the question: Can scorpions climb walls? Let’s discover why these creatures enter homes and how they get in.
Most people associate scorpions with deserts and semi-arid regions, but they are resilient and can survive anywhere habitable for them. If they find your home good enough to stay, they will find their way in.
Scorpions enter homes primarily in search of shelter, food and hydration. Homes offer a safe refuge for them to escape harsh environmental conditions, like extreme heat or cold. Once inside, they often seek hiding places to remain undisturbed.
Common hiding spots where you may find scorpions in your home include:
- Stacks of firewood
- Equipment left on the floor
- Hollow walls
- Under exterior tiles
These places offer concealment and protection from predators while providing an ideal environment for them to avoid dehydration and less-than-ideal temperatures.
Before a scorpion would attempt climbing over walls into your house, they’re likely to spend some time in the surrounding areas of your property first. These predators often roam the exterior of buildings or hide in crevices, seeking access points.
That is why it is crucial to seal wall openings. Otherwise, you risk accommodating the opportunistic crawlers in your space. If you have seen scorpions on your property, going the do-it-yourself route is not advisable. It’s best to enlist the help of pest control specialists. These experts have the tools and expertise to control scorpions on your property.
How Do Scorpions Get Inside the House?
Scorpions have flat and flexible bodies that can easily squeeze through tiny openings. Some species do not even require more than a sixteenth of an inch to enter a space. In most cases, they enter through cracks, crevices and construction gaps.
Here are other potential entry points they could take into your house that you may not think of.
Vents
Exposed exhaust and bathroom vents are good entrances for scorpions. One way to deal with a scorpion entrance through vents is to screen every vent entering your home from outside. This can also help with other pests like bees, mosquitoes and wasps.
Doors and Windows
Scorpions usually crawl into homes through small openings, but they can also enter through open doors and windows. Besides wide open doors and windows, worn window nets and door sweeps can also be viable entry points. If you have a door that does not latch properly, these opportunistic creatures can squeeze in through that small opening.
Unknown Human Transportation
Like other common household pests, such as the small black tick, scorpions can enter homes through human transportation. This can happen while moving items like boxes and potted plants from the yard or garage into the house.
Since they are great hiders, there is a chance that you will not notice their presence when bringing in items. So, before moving any item into the house, check the corners first.
How to Prevent Scorpions
Making your home less hospitable to scorpions can be easy if you take the proper steps. Here are some foolproof ideas to help prevent a scorpion infestation.
Seal Cracks and Crevices
Thoroughly inspect the exterior and interior of your home for cracks and gaps, particularly around doors, windows and the foundation. If you discover any, seal them up using caulk or other appropriate sealants.
Get Rid of Stagnant Water
Like other pests, scorpions require water for survival. Stagnant water around the house, such as in puddles or clogged drains, can attract them. To keep them at a distance from your home, remove stagnant water bodies, clean your drains and eliminate puddles.
Maintain a Clean Exterior
Scorpions are attracted to clutter, as they provide good hiding places. On the other hand, a clean environment is less appealing to these creatures and will naturally deter them.
Mow your lawn regularly. Trim bushes and shrubs. Keep firewood, logs and other outdoor materials at least five feet from the house to reduce potential nesting areas.
Seal Utility Openings
Water pipes, electricity cables and other utility lines often create pathways for scorpions and other predators to enter homes. Look out for these possible entry spots, particularly near your kitchen, bathroom and toilet, where pipes may penetrate. Seal off any identified openings with plumbing putty, silicone caulk or any other appropriate material.
Don’t Leave Your House Interior Untidy
Scorpions are creatures that thrive in dark, undisturbed areas. The southern house spider is another arachnid with a similar attribute. They are generally attracted to cluttered environments that provide food and hiding places.
If your home isn’t tidy, you are creating good hideouts for these unwelcome guests. So, regularly clean your cabinets, closets and basements. The cleaner your home, the fewer places scorpions will have to hide.
Control Insect Populations
Scorpions prey on smaller insects, particularly crickets. They may naturally stay away if you limit insect presence in your home.
Consult a Pest Control Specialist
While the ideas above will offer some help in keeping them at bay, engaging pest control experts is best. These professionals possess the expertise to conduct thorough inspections, identify potential entry points and take adequate measures to address the issue. They know where to look and how to manage the situation.
What Do Scorpion Nests Look Like?
Scorpions do not construct traditional nests like other animals. Instead, they create burrows or seek refuge in dark, secluded spaces within their environment. While they are commonly associated with outdoor habitats, these creepy crawlers can make their home in various areas in and around the house.
Indoors, scorpions are known to seek out cool, dark environments. They can scale walls and infiltrate homes through utility pipes and other small entry points.
Once inside, they hide in areas such as basements, attics, cracks, unsealed water pipes and storage spaces, where they can remain undisturbed. Scorpions may also seek refuge in infrequently used cabinets, closets and other hidden areas.
While scorpions can often be found in garages or attics, they generally avoid direct sunlight and heat, so they prefer these cooler, more shaded areas. When the temperature rises, scorpions crawl out of their hiding places to search for new areas to shelter in, especially during the hotter months.
Call in Pest Control Help for Scorpions
While it may seem tempting to try handling pest issues like this on your own, it is best to leave this process to pest control professionals. These experts are trained to identify scorpion hideouts and possible entry points and address the infestation.
ABC Can Give You Peace of Mind
Finding even a single scorpion on your property can be alarming. For peace of mind when it comes to scorpions, contact ABC Home & Commercial Services. Our pest control professionals will create a custom scorpion treatment plan, so you can feel at ease.
