Finding the best pest control for scorpions is not an easy job. There are tons of different companies that offer numerous types of pest control services and methods. But, how do you know which are the best? Pest control for scorpions is a tricky business. Scorpions reproduce fast and many pest control companies lack the experience to effectively get rid of scorpion infestation. Scorpions are one of the creatures that we fear the most. They are not only dangerous for humans, but their sting could result in fatality. If you see scorpions in your house or around your property, call a pest control service and prevent them from hurting anyone. Scorpions make great pets, except when they live inside your home. This can be an uncomfortable situation if you are concerned with the scorpion’s welfare. After all, it may begin to starve over time, and there is always a chance of finding its remains the next time you open your cabinet or cupboard door. It is thought that a sudden reduction in temperature can weaken the scorpion’s resolve, making them amenable to a re-location to a smaller habitat such as a terrarium.

Best Pest Control For Scorpions

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Scorpion Killer

The type of scorpion killer and how it’s applied are just two factors to consider when selecting the right pesticide. Ahead, learn more about how these pesticides work.

Form

Scorpion killers come in four different forms: sprays, concentrates, powders, and glue traps. Sprays, usually packaged in an aerosol bottle, kill on contact. Similar to a wasp spray, they allow the user to fire a stream of pesticide at the scorpion from a safe distance. Sprays also are effective for up to about 6 weeks at treating indoor areas where scorpions enter and exit a home.

Powders come in puff bottles or shakable containers that allow the user to treat larger areas of the property. They are effective for creating a barrier on the exterior, infecting scorpions as they cross the barrier and killing them in a matter of hours. Powders last longer than sprays; some can last for up to 8 months if left undisturbed.

Glue traps, which consist of a cardboard tunnel with a sticky surface, offer a pesticide-free way of solving scorpion problems. When the scorpion crawls over the sticky surface, the scorpion becomes stuck in the glue, where it dies of dehydration. Since these traps don’t use pesticides, they are the safest option for homes with children and pets. While glue traps remain sticky indefinitely, after the surface has claimed a certain number of victims or gets covered with debris, it loses its effectiveness.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Scorpion killers usually are rated for indoor and outdoor use. Sprays kill on contact, but they also leave a residue that will infect and kill any scorpion that walks through it. Some sprays are suitable for indoor use as they don’t create an unpleasant smell and don’t stain woodwork or furniture. Sprays generally dry in about an hour.

Dusts, which are in a powder form, are also safe for indoor use. Unlike sprays that dry clear, the powder is visible. Dusts must be placed away from busy areas, as feet can disturb the dust. This not only reduces its effectiveness, but it also creates a mess.

For a pesticide to be effective outside, it must be able to endure the elements. Waterproof dust and sprays are ideal for treating the cracks and holes around a home’s foundation that scorpions use to enter a house. When applying pesticides, allow the spray to dry before letting pets in the area, and keep pets away from pesticide-treated areas.

Natural vs. Chemical

Pesticides use either chemicals or natural ingredients that are toxic to scorpions and other pests. Common active ingredients in scorpion-killing pesticides include prallethrin, which kills on contact through paralysis, and deltamethrin, which disrupts a scorpion’s nervous system, killing it in hours.

While both chemicals will kill scorpions, deltamethrin can last up to 90 days, making it suitable for larger infestations and as a preventative method. Prallethrin is more suitable for killing imminent threats, such as a scorpion that appears from under a bed, or for treating small cracks and crevices inside the home.

While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists both prallethrin and deltamethrin as low-toxicity pesticides, it doesn’t mean they are completely harmless. Pesticides with prallethrin and deltamethrin are labeled with warnings that state they are hazardous to humans and animals. Ingesting these substances can cause vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.

Natural pesticides, such as diatomaceous earth, are an all-natural means of killing pests. Diatomaceous earth powder dehydrates and kills scorpions and other insects by infiltrating their exoskeleton or through ingestion, a process that can take several days. Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and pets. It’s sometimes used as a dietary supplement for improving bone health and cholesterol levels.

Application

Most pesticides that kill scorpions are listed on the EPA’s list of pesticides with minimal toxicity to humans and pets. While this makes them generally safe for use both inside and outside, “minimal” toxicity doesn’t mean no toxicity. If pesticides are ingested, many can still cause illness.

Use care when removing a pesticide after it’s lost its effectiveness. For powder-based pesticides, sweep up the dust and dispose of it in a sealed trash bag. Clean the treated area with surface cleaner to remove any residual dust particles or residue from spray pesticides. When disposing of a dead scorpion, use a small shovel or heavy gloves to avoid coming into contact with its dangerous stinger.

Apply pesticides to areas that don’t see significant traffic from humans and pets, and avoid treating areas used for eating or food preparation such as countertops and dinner tables.

Because they’re colorless and odorless, sprays may offer the best means of treating indoor areas as they typically leave behind only a small residue. Powders, in comparison, are visible and can be disturbed by feet or curious children and pets.

Versatility

Most pesticides that kill scorpions also will kill a variety of other insects, including roaches, ants, fleas, spiders, and bedbugs. Even glue traps will trap more than just scorpions. Their versatility makes these pesticide products an effective means for solving multiple pest problems with one application.