Scorpions have been around since the days of the dinosaurs looking pretty much just like they do today. There are over a thousand different types of scorpions found all over the world and there are probably more that haven’t been discovered yet. You can find scorpions on every continent in the world with the exception of Antarctica; it’s a wee bit too cold there. In the US there are more than 90 types of scorpions with most of them being found in the Southwest. As interesting as that is, nobody wants to find scorpions in their home.
Keeping Your Home Free of Scorpions
It doesn’t matter what type of scorpion you find they are all capable of delivering a painful sting, some can even kill. Deaths from scorpion stings are extremely rare that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be cautious. If you live anywhere where scorpions are part of the environment then you need to scorpion proof your home. You need to be aware of where scorpions hide, where they find food and then eliminate those places.
Where Scorpions Can Be Found
Starting outside your home you want to get rid of things like piles of wood, debris around the property, grass and yard trimmings and anything that provides shelter for scorpions. There are bark scorpions that will hide in bushes and trees so trim back any trees or bushes that touch your home. Firewood should stay outside until you’re ready to burn it and always examine it before bringing it into your house. Raise your garbage cans off the ground to keep them out of range. Seal any and all gaps around the windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk. Put screens where they are needed including vents into your attic. Here is a closer look at how to scorpions out of your home.
Double Checking for Scorpions
If you call the Southwest home in areas such as Arizona then these are some habits that you want to get into to make sure you stay safe from scorpions:
- Check your shoes before putting them on
- Shake out clothing that has been on the floor
- Wear gloves and shoes when you work in the yard
- Avoid going barefoot
- Check beds or sleeping bags before you climb in for the night
If you live in the south or Southwest then scorpions are a fact of life and most people pay little attention to them. However nobody wants to find scorpions in their home and you can take measure to make sure that they stay out.