Scorpion spray? (Austin, El Paso: how much, new house, neighborhoods)

[maincoon]

I live in a new housing development and I often find scorpions inside of my house. Does anybody know how to get rid of those? I am worried about my pets getting stung. Thanks if you can help.

[Cupcake77]

Orkin

[Jennibc]

We had the same problem when we moved to a new house about ten years ago. We hired a pest control company and as they told us, anything strong enough to kill scorpions would hurt us too. So they spray to get rid of the rest of the bugs which serve as food for the scorpions. We found about 40 inside between April and October and then we stopped seeing them. Of course we moved out the following January so I don't know if they returned again in the spring or not. I think over time you just see less and less of them as neighborhoods become developed and their habitats disappear.

Wish I could provide better advice, but I am not sure there is any other than to shake your clothes and shoes out before you get dressed.

[hoffdano]

I believe none of the common pesticides, whether retail or "pro" are directly effective against scorpions. I know that none of the ones I have used (going back to Diazinon, Malathion, and whatever ingredients are in ant/roach killer and wasp killers). It is pretty amazing that wasp spray can kill 25 yellow jackets in seconds but will do almost nothing to a scorpion.

So controlling their food supply is probably the most effective tactic. Also look for cracks or gaps in the home's exterior that might allow scorpions to sneak inside the house.

[Maxson]

Spray Shmay.

Use the heel of your boot.

If anything, it's more satisfying.

[BobosCurse]

Scorpions in the house?! YOW!
How dangerous are they? Like a bee sting, or more poisonous?

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by BobosCurse

Scorpions in the house?! YOW!
How dangerous are they? Like a bee sting, or more poisonous?

I've never been stung but from people I know that have, it is worse than a bee sting but not deadly. Apparently the scorpions in these parts are not kind that have the deadly venom, for those you need to head closer to the equator. How much further south, I am unsure.

Here's an article that you may find useful http://www.slate.com/id/2107022/

[yam]

Bug spray doesn't work because a scorpion isn't a bug. Get some spider spray (works on all arachnids). When I had a scorpion problem, I also found it useful to invest in some tongs and scissors. Step one, spray the scorpion with spider spray to stun it. Step two, grab it with the tongs and proceed to the nearest toilet. Step three, cut it into itty bitty little pieces and watch them sink to the bottom. Step four, flush! Or if you're feeling more humane, you can just pick the critter up with the tongs, proceed to the nearest safe dumping place, and set it free to terrorize someone else.

[sille777]

Starvation is about the only thing I have found that works.

I have yet to see one in Austin (only lived here 2 years though) When I was younger my family lived in El Paso and we would get them in the house a few times. they came up the drians. usually the shower.

chemicals dont work they can adapt to about anything quickly. we would collect one in a glass jar and seal it and it took over a week for them to die.

[ETex2]

Sticky traps work quite well for scorpions, put them in closets, dark places, and behind all furniture that is against the wall; esp. your bed. And spray well with spider spray. Then you MIGHT not get stung, but don't count on it.