No homeowner would want bugs or pests in their home. Scorpions, in particular, are scary because of their repulsive looks and dangerous sting. Though a majority of species are not venomous, their sting may cause allergic reactions, redness, and swelling. At the same time, there are certain species that can be poisonous and harmful. Whether these stealthy arachnids are dangerous or not, keeping them out of your house should be your top priority – there are plenty of hiding spots for scorpions in your home!
Though the best thing to do would be to have them exterminated by experts, you should be watchful to detect them in the first place. For this reason, you should know about the hiding places that they are most likely to frequent so that you can identify and address the issue before it becomes a major infestation.
Where do Scorpions Hide in Houses?
Here are some areas in your home that could serve as ideal hiding spots for these scary little arachnids. Waynes Pest Control in Knoxville, TN suggests you check these places in your home.
Damp, dark places
An ideal place where scorpions can find shelter in the damp and dark areas such as your laundry room. They like to hide in damp towels, which is the reason that it is advised to leave one on the floor of your laundry room overnight to catch them. Cleaning the laundry room regularly and preventing clutter is recommended. The damp and dark spots could be outside the home as well. You may find some hiding under rock piles in the backyard. Although the insects are outside your living space, they can still enter your home through cracks and crevasses.
Entryways
Don’t think that these intruders can only make way inside your home through cracks and spaces in doors and windows. Entering through phone lines and electric lights is as easy for them. Similarly, pipes in the kitchen and bathrooms serve as a convenient entryway for these insects. Since they have the knack of fitting into the thinnest of cracks, make sure that you have your doors and windows sealed properly.
Garden plants
Do not think that pests are always confined to the interior of your living space. Since scorpions prefer moist areas to live in, garden plants make another favorite hiding spot for them. Plants require regular watering, which makes the conditions conducive as a natural habitat for these tiny pests. Therefore, you need to be extra cautious while tending to the garden plants or mowing the grass in your lawn. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and step out only in close-toed shoes.
Undisturbed areas
Start by searching the undisturbed areas of your living space such as the dark corners and behind the curtains. The article “Watch Out, Arizona! Scorpions Are More Active in the Summer” from Gecko Pest says that scorpions wake up from hibernation in May and June and actively search for food. So this is the best time to turn these areas upside down. If there are unused rooms with piles of boxes that you seldom check, you should move them to ensure that there are no tiny intruders hiding there.
Basement or garage
Besides the unused rooms in your home, the basement and garage are other places that are likely to be infested. Scorpions look for shady retreats that protect them from heat. Also, these areas are easily accessible for pests because doors are seldom sealed and walls lack insulation. Remember not to step in the basement or garage without wearing covered footwear. Keeping these areas clean, well-lit and ventilated is also an effective measure to do away with these intruders.
Showers and bathtubs
Since moisture is something that scorpions look for, another area in your home that makes an ideal resting spot for these dangerous insects is inside the shower or bathtub. You need to be particularly watchful in the morning because they are most likely to hide behind the curtain or crawl into the bathtub during the darkness of the night.
Poolside
If you have a swimming pool in your home, chances are that you may find some of these creepy crawlies around the poolside area. Check the pool water carefully before stepping in. There might also be lurking danger in the wet towels or clothes placed beside the pool. Be sure to shake your towel or robe before using them after the swim.
Closets
The dark and shady closets in your home are the areas that scorpions would love to frequent. Besides the favorable environment they offer, closets are usually filled with heaps of clothing which make it easy for these insects to hide. Regularly cleaning and organizing your closets is important to prevent infestation. Never store damp or dirty clothes inside the closet. Also, make sure that you check the clothes properly before wearing them.
Drawers and shelves
Like dark closets, drawers and shelves also offer shelter to these insects that look for shady areas to hide. The chances of infestation increase if the drawers and shelves usually remain shut because scorpions can survive for months without water and food. In fact, they prefer to be left undisturbed which makes these areas ideal for hibernating. Again, regular cleaning and organizing of the drawers and shelves can go a long way in making your home infestation-free.
Inside your shoes
Surprisingly, one of the most unexpected places where scorpions may hide is inside your shoes. If you have several pairs that you seldom use, these make attractive shelters for these insects. Every time you slip them on, be sure to turn them over or shine a light into them for proper inspection. Being careful with storage is equally important. Use shoe boxes or sealed bags to store the ones that you rarely use.
Now that you know where to look for these lurking insects, it becomes easier to keep an eye out for them. Being watchful is extremely important because you cannot afford to ignore these insects as they can be dangerous. The best approach would be to have your place regularly inspected by a professional pest control company. Not only do they exterminate the pests from your living space but also educate you about prevention and timely detection of pests.