How to Kill a Scorpion

Co-authored by Chris Parker

Last Updated: January 14, 2023 References Approved

Scorpions are notoriously hard to kill. These venomous arachnids are used to living in harsh conditions, so they don't bat an eyelash at most pesticides. The surest way to get rid of a scorpion is to pierce its exoskeleton with a sharp object, or employ a scorpion-loving animal with sharp teeth to do the job for you. Read on below the jump to get started.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Piercing the Exoskeleton with a Tool

1
Cover your body with protective clothing. Wear jeans or other pants made from thick material, heavy leather shoes, and thick gloves, just in case the scorpion somehow gets close enough to your body to strike.^{[1]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}
2
Find a sharp object. In Arizona, where scorpions are a common sight in bedrooms and backyards, large, long tweezers are sold at hardware stores. These allow you to pierce the exoskeleton, then grasp the scorpion and dispose of it. If this tool isn't available in your area, a pair of scissors with long blades, a long knife, or another long, sharp object will work.^{[2]
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3
Quickly stab the object into the scorpion's body. Scorpions aren't typically very fast, but act quickly to make sure you're able to kill the scorpion before it gets away. If necessary, pierce the scorpion again until you're sure it is no longer alive.
- You can also use a blunt object, like a heavy book, shoe, or sledgehammer, to crush the scorpion instead of piercing it. However, some scorpions have the ability to flatten themselves as thin as a coin, so just hitting the scorpion with your hard striking surface may not be enough to kill it.^{[3]
  X
  Research source} You'll need to twist your shoe, rock or other hard object will ensure that the scorpion is crushed and killed. When the scorpion has stopped moving or when its body is in several pieces, it is likely dead.
4
Look for scorpions at night. If scorpions are becoming a problem in your household, you can get rid of them by methodically killing them at night, when they're active. Get a black lightbulb from the hardware store and place it in a flashlight. Shine the light on walls, in corners, along baseboards, and in other areas where scorpions tend to spend time. Their exoskeletons will glow in the black light.^{[4]
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- Don't forget to check outside walls on your property, too. Scorpions can also be found in outdoor rock piles and other sources of shelter.
5
Consider hiring a professional pest control agency. If the thought of interacting with scorpions makes you want to run and hide, consider calling a professional to help you out. In some areas you can hire a professional to come to your house and hunt scorpions for you.
- Some pest control agencies might suggest using a pesticide application instead of killing the scorpions by hand. It might be worth a try, but many people have found pesticides to be ineffective in getting rid of scorpions.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Trying Alternative Methods

1
Install a chicken coop. Chickens can eat some of the insects scorpions prey on for food. As such, they'll make the area less inviting to scorpions. ^{[5]
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- Keep in mind that scorpions are nocturnal and chickens are not, so chickens won't have much opportunity to hunt scorpions themselves.
2
Try diatomaceous earth. This natural substance is made from ground up fossils. It's a fine white powder that can be sprinkled in doorways, cracks and crevices both indoors and outdoors. It's completely safe for humans and pets to be around, but the tiny shards of fossil effectively pierce scorpions' exoskeletons when they happen to scuttle over the powder. Diatomaceous earth also kills spiders, roaches and other insects.^{[6]
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3
Set out sticky traps. The same traps that can be used to get rid of mice or roaches work for scorpions, too. Set them up in dark corners and near sources of water. If you catch a scorpion, throw the trap away and set out another one in the same area, since it's likely a spot that more scorpions will be attracted to.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Keeping Scorpions Out of the House

1
Remove sources of shelter. Scorpions like to live in dark places that provide shelter. Check both inside and outside for items that might be acting as convenient hiding places for scorpions.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.}
- Make sure your boxes are sealed and stored off the ground on shelves.
- Get rid of clutter. Keep your clothes and shoes well organized and off the floor, if possible.
- Remove wood and rock piles from your yard.
2
Get rid of other pests. Scorpions feed on insects, so if you have other pest problems in your house, it'll be hard to control the scorpion population.^{[8]
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Expert Source

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Expert Interview. 18 February 2021.} Keeping the house clean, sprinkling boric acid or diatomaceous earth along baseboards, and using insecticide are all ways you can eliminate pests.^{[9]
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3
Seal your house. Scorpions are able to flatten their bodies to fit through very small holes and cracks. Examine your home's foundation for spots that might be serving as entry points. Fill them with caulk. Check your doors, window frames, vents, chimney, and other spots for areas where scorpions can get in, and make sure they're properly sealed.
4
Keep your house dry. Scorpions are attracted to wet spots. Make sure none of your pipes are leaking, and install a ventilator in your bathroom so it dries quickly after use. Don't leave wet towels on the floor.^{[10]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Where do scorpions like to hide?

Chris Parker
Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control
Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. With over seven years of experience, Chris specializes in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington.

Chris Parker

Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control

Expert Answer

They like to hide in warm places. They also like the feeling of being squished a little bit, so underneath rocks, typically, is where you'll find them. People's shoes also seem to be a popular thing.
Question

I find it wrong that cats and chickens are offered as an alternative method to kill scorpions. Even if they are predators of scorpions I would never be fine with risking their life. Why suggest this method?

Community Answer

Because it's a method that works well. If you are not up to using it, find another alternative method.
Question

Is it okay for cats to kill scorpions?

Community Answer

Cats are usually very natural at killing animals, but can still be stung by a deadly scorpion. If you do not want to risk your cat being stung then find an alternative method.

Warnings

Never pick up a scorpion with your bare hands. You could get stung.

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Arizona Bark Scorpions, which live in New Mexico and Arizona, are dangerous even with one venomous sting. Please do not attempt to pick up an Arizona Bark Scorpion.

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Don't step on a scorpion in an attempt to crush it with your bare feet. You will get stung.

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Avoid using cats to hunt scorpions. While their fur can help protect them from scorpion stings, they can still be stung and will still need treatment for the pain.^{[11]
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If you have a severe allergy to scorpion venom, consider carrying an epinephrine auto injector with you. Wearing medical identification jewelry can make others aware of your allergy if you fall unconscious or are otherwise unable to speak after being stung.^{[12]
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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If you get stung, remain relaxed and immediately contact for medical help. Do not take any sedatives. If you can do so safely, capture the scorpion so professionals can identify it and determine correct treatment.^{[13]
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Trustworthy Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
Go to source}

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