Scorpions are nocturnal animals which makes them hard to detect in your home. Depending on the species, scorpions' stings can be deadly. They release venom with neurotoxins that infect the victim's nervous system. The poison can lead to paralysis, cardiac complications, breathing problems, convulsions, and even death.

While some people keep scorpions as pets, pest control professionals don't recommend this as it puts children in your home at risk. So, how can you prevent or control a scorpion invasion in your home?

Inspect Your Home Regularly

Scorpions love hiding in the dark, but their exoskeleton has an outer layer that reacts to ultraviolet light such as moonlight or black light. The light causes the scorpion's body to glow in the dark. You can use a black light to inspect your home for any scorpions lurking around. Check under rocks, windowsills, hidden dark corners in your house, animal shed, and vegetation around your home. 

Scorpions love crowded places so check the areas in your home with clutter, such as woodpiles, rain gutters, trash cans, closets, and toy storage areas. Avoid placing such items near your house to avoid attracting scorpions and insects.

Eliminate Food Sources

Scorpions eat insects like spiders, centipedes, and even other scorpions. Therefore, eliminating these pests from your home will cut off any food source for the scorpions. You should also check your home thoroughly for hidden insect breeding areas such as the garage and the patio. Experts don't recommend you spray the pests with pesticides by yourself. You should contact a pest control company to help you with a potential infestation.

Seal Cracks and Crevices in Your House

Scorpions have a small, flexible body, so they can easily squeeze through any tiny spaces in your foundation or walls. Ensure you seal the cracks in your roof, attic, and the plumbing in the kitchen and bathroom. Also, install weather-stripping material around loose doors and windows to prevent scorpions from crawling through the spaces. 

Maintain the Vegetation Around Your House

You should mow your lawn regularly and get rid of any unwanted vegetation around your house. A shaggy lawn provides a breeding ground for all kinds of pests, including scorpions. When planning your yard, avoid planting any vegetation, such as flowers and trees, too close to your house. If you have tree branches or bushes blocking your windows from sunlight, you should cut them down as insects and scorpions love dark places.

To learn more, contact residential pest control services today.