What is the Best Scorpion Repellent? (Glendale: apartment, house, buy)

[blueeyz911]

Since I just got stung by a scorpion over the weekend and we have seen 2 inside our apartment in the past week, I would like to exterminate. But I have 2 small dogs so I really don't want to use any harsh chemicals inside. I was thinking more along the lines of granules outside our apartment. I know you need to eliminate the scorpions food source to help keep them away. Has anyone used anything with any success in keeping the scorpions at bay?

[Steve-o]

Chemicals do not really repel scorpions. What they do is kill other bugs that the scorpions feed on, driving the scorpions to better hunting grounds. Your best bet is to get yourself a portable blacklight and hunt for them at night. Keep a glass jar handy and some tweezers. Grab the scorpion gently by the tail nearest the stinger and place it in the jar (they cant climb glass). Most people kill them, but I suggest relocating them outside other places, they eat bugs that you dont want around (ie black widows, cockroaches, etc). Here is a video of my Arizona desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis) under blacklight. They glow a brilliant green/blue color, making them easy to find at night.

Click on picture to play video:

[blueeyz911]

Yes that is what I want to do--- drive them to better hunting grounds. I would much rather kill them than relocate them because if I relocate them, they will just find their way back into my home.

I did buy a blacklight flashlight over the weekend and we have already started hunting for them before bed. I will have to look at your picture at home- can't see the link here at work.

Scorpions eat black widows huh? That's a positive thing since the black widow bite is definitely more dangerous.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by blueeyz911

Yes that is what I want to do--- drive them to better hunting grounds. I would much rather kill them than relocate them because if I relocate them, they will just find their way back into my home.

I did buy a blacklight flashlight over the weekend and we have already started hunting for them before bed. I will have to look at your picture at home- can't see the link here at work.

Scorpions eat black widows huh? That's a positive thing since the black widow bite is definitely more dangerous.

Yes, black widow bites are generally more harmful than scorpion stings. Ive seen several scorpions in Missouri dining on black widows, so they do their job keeping the insect/arachnid population in check. Id rather have scorpions around than widows and cockroaches anyday. As for relocating them, its highly doubtful theyll find your house again. Scorpions dont seek out homes per se, they just kinda end up there as shelter and stay if there is an adequate food supply.

[kawgpz550]

The only effective repellent I haver found for scorpions are cats! As long as I have at least one or two cats, it is very rare to see a scorpion!

BTW, I pretty much always have at least one cat...I haven't seen a scorpion but ONCE in 6 years of living in my current home and our house backs up to a wash.

[Magnum Mike]

Scorpion repellent - Let's see, the only 3 times I've "repelled" scorpions, was when I stepped on them. In a boots on a foot vs. scorpion contest, the scorpion usually loses - Crunch... That must have worked because considering I've spent almost all my life here, and only seen 3 scorpions inside my dwelling places, I'd say that's a good repellent.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Id rather have scorpions around than widows and cockroaches anyday.

I certainly agree with you on that. And I'd add ticks and chiggers to my list too. Oh, those chiggers!

[MotleyCrew]

We found a nearby source for diatamaceous (sp?) earth at the Stockyard in Glendale, on Thunderbird. We are going to try piling it up about 2 feet all around the house to see if that works.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Ponderosa

I certainly agree with you on that. Black widows are supposedly nasty but you really have to be dumb (or just not know any better) to get bit by one. After living around the BWs a while you pretty much know where not to go sticking your paws. Scorpions, on the other hand, can be just about anywhere.

Very true. When living in widow country, you must watch where you put your hands/feet/etc. The good thing is that widow webs are easy to distinguish--theyre messy and very jagged, no pattern to them whatsoever, and the silk is incredibly strong to the touch. A black widow bite is something that you never want to experience.

[and the]

Don't they use Mongeese in India for killing scorpions??? Or is it cobras???