Can Scorpions Climb Walls

You are getting ready for bed and making sure the sheets are on correctly, along with the comforter. When all of a sudden, a scorpion falls from the ceiling! Where did it come from and can scorpions climb walls? Yes! Only if there is a rough surface so they can grip with their pincers and climb. Let’s take a look.

What is a Scorpion

A scorpion is part of the arachnid species and has a curved tail that has segments in it and also a stinger that is venomous. The stinger is at the rear of the body while the pincers are at the front. They are mostly seen in desert areas, but also semi-arid climates. In Georgia, we have two different types: The Southern Devil Scorpion and the Striped Scorpion.

Another type of scorpion is the Arizona bark scorpion. Bark scorpions love to climb and can climb on walls. All scorpions sting but healthy humans shouldn’t have any issues. However, if there is an issue, seek medical help.

Why They Climb Walls

The pincers on the feet of a scorpion are called unques and they allow the scorpion to hold onto prey. Additionally, they allow the scorpion to be able to climb on surfaces like rocks, textured walls, and trees. But if the surface is smooth, they can’t hold on and will fall. They prefer to climb trees and rocks but sometimes they do get into the home. When scorpions are outside, they like to climb away from predators and search for food.

How to Prevent Scorpions From Climbing into Your Bed

Scorpions like beds as they provide hiding spots for them. There are various things you can do to keep scorpions from falling on your bed.

1. Space between bed and wall – since scorpions can climb walls, keeping the bed away from the wall makes it less likely they will fall in it.
2. Glass or metal sheets – if you know scorpions are an issue in your home, wrap smooth metal sheets or glass sheets on the foot of the bed frame. Since they can hang on to only rough surfaces, this will keep them off the bed.
3. Keep bedding off the floor – bedding should not be left hanging from the bed as it makes great hiding spots for scorpions. You don’t want to give them easy access.
4. Store items in boxes – don’t give the scorpions more places to hide so putting items in boxes, especially boxes that are smooth, will help keep them away. Also, don’t store items under the bed.

What Scorpions Are Attracted to

Scorpions are attracted to a room that is dark and undisturbed. Additionally, they like to search for food so if you have a lot of animals in your home, you might be inviting a scorpion in.

How to Prevent Scorpions

It is possible to prevent scorpions from coming into your home. Here are some ideas:

1. Use yellow bulbs – bugs don’t like them as much as the white bulbs so making a switch might be a good idea.
2. Weatherstripping – make sure you can’t see any gaps or crevices. Any crack that is bigger than a credit card means your home is not sealed properly and will allow a scorpion to get inside the home.
3. Caulk or seal – look where the water and electric lines go into the home. If they are not sealed or caulked properly, take care of this. This is also a good idea with the pipes in the kitchen and bathroom as well as the windows.
4. Clean house – this doesn’t allow scorpions to hide so the cleaner the better.
5. Dark, semi-arid, and undisturbed areas of the house – as mentioned earlier, scorpions like these types of places to hide. Pay attention to towels on the floor in the bathroom and bedrooms.
6. Use a black light – a black light can find scorpions in the dark. You can’t prevent scorpions in your home with this light but at least you may be able to sleep better at night. If you do find one, use pliers and put it in a glass jar as it won’t be able to climb out.

How to Get Rid of Scorpions

Any spray that you use for spiders can be used to kill scorpions. Just keep in mind that the spray can be toxic to your pets. Also, you can use sticky traps that are often used for rodents to catch them.

How Much Does it Cost

Scorpions can become a nuisance if too many get into the home. The average to take care of scorpion problems is $200-$300. A pest control service can take care of this issue for you, along with other pest control needs you may have.

Recommended Maintenance

While you are taking care of the scorpions, take a look around the home to see if there are roaches. You may have a clean home, but unfortunately, roaches like to be in every home. There are ways you can try to prevent them such as being careful with pet water bowls, avoiding standing water in the home, putting food away, and cleaning the countertops. Additionally, be concerned about dark areas as well.

Another area to think about is bed bugs. They don’t just stay in the bed but travel throughout the home. You can find bed bugs by looking for eggs, bites, signs like skin blotches, or a rash.

Lastly, check to make sure that the mulch you use doesn’t attract termites. There are a few types that do attract those little buggers such as Cypress sapwood, Loblolly pine, and Slash pine. Stay away from those types of mulch and that will help.

When to Call a Professional

Call a pest control professional if you are having issues with scorpions or any other pest in your home. A professional can help take care of the problem for you. Also, a home inspector can help check your home for areas that aren’t sealed so you can keep out a range of pests, as well as weather. Be careful if you see scorpions, as you don’t want to get stung in case there is an issue.

Conclusion

Scorpions can’t be avoided in certain climates but you can try to keep your home free of pests. No one likes to sleep at night wondering if there are scorpions in their home. All South Pest Control will be able to determine your pest control needs and offer the best preventative maintenance for future pest issues in McDonough, GA, and the surrounding areas.