How To Kill A Scorpion: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Kill a Scorpion PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Chris Parker

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

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  • Piercing the Exoskeleton with a Tool
    • |
  • Trying Alternative Methods
    • |
  • Keeping Scorpions Out of the House
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Chris Parker. Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 24 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 542,460 times.

Scorpions are notoriously hard to kill. These venomous arachnids are used to living in harsh conditions, so they don't bat an eyelash at most pesticides. The surest way to get rid of a scorpion is to pierce its exoskeleton with a sharp object, or employ a scorpion-loving animal with sharp teeth to do the job for you. Read on below the jump to get started.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Piercing the Exoskeleton with a Tool

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  1. Step 1 Cover your body with protective clothing. 1 Cover your body with protective clothing. Wear jeans or other pants made from thick material, heavy leather shoes, and thick gloves, just in case the scorpion somehow gets close enough to your body to strike.[1]
  2. Step 2 Find a sharp object. 2 Find a sharp object. In Arizona, where scorpions are a common sight in bedrooms and backyards, large, long tweezers are sold at hardware stores. These allow you to pierce the exoskeleton, then grasp the scorpion and dispose of it. If this tool isn't available in your area, a pair of scissors with long blades, a long knife, or another long, sharp object will work. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Quickly stab the object into the scorpion's body. 3 Quickly stab the object into the scorpion's body. Scorpions aren't typically very fast, but act quickly to make sure you're able to kill the scorpion before it gets away. If necessary, pierce the scorpion again until you're sure it is no longer alive.
    • You can also use a blunt object, like a heavy book, shoe, or sledgehammer, to crush the scorpion instead of piercing it. However, some scorpions have the ability to flatten themselves as thin as a coin, so just hitting the scorpion with your hard striking surface may not be enough to kill it. You'll need to twist your shoe, rock or other hard object will ensure that the scorpion is crushed and killed. When the scorpion has stopped moving or when its body is in several pieces, it is likely dead.
  4. Step 4 Look for scorpions at night. 4 Look for scorpions at night. If scorpions are becoming a problem in your household, you can get rid of them by methodically killing them at night, when they're active. Get a black lightbulb from the hardware store and place it in a flashlight. Shine the light on walls, in corners, along baseboards, and in other areas where scorpions tend to spend time. Their exoskeletons will glow in the black light.[2]
    • Don't forget to check outside walls on your property, too. Scorpions can also be found in outdoor rock piles and other sources of shelter.
  5. Step 5 Consider hiring a professional pest control agency. 5 Consider hiring a professional pest control agency. If the thought of interacting with scorpions makes you want to run and hide, consider calling a professional to help you out. In some areas you can hire a professional to come to your house and hunt scorpions for you.[3]
    • Some pest control agencies might suggest using a pesticide application instead of killing the scorpions by hand. It might be worth a try, but many people have found pesticides to be ineffective in getting rid of scorpions.
    6. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Trying Alternative Methods

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  1. Step 1 Install a chicken coop. 1 Install a chicken coop. Chickens can eat some of the insects scorpions prey on for food. As such, they'll make the area less inviting to scorpions.
    • Keep in mind that scorpions are nocturnal and chickens are not, so chickens won't have much opportunity to hunt scorpions themselves.
  2. Step 2 Try diatomaceous earth. 2 Try diatomaceous earth. This natural substance is made from ground up fossils. It's a fine white powder that can be sprinkled in doorways, cracks and crevices both indoors and outdoors. It's completely safe for humans and pets to be around, but the tiny shards of fossil effectively pierce scorpions' exoskeletons when they happen to scuttle over the powder. Diatomaceous earth also kills spiders, roaches and other insects.[4]
  3. Step 3 Set out sticky traps. 3 Set out sticky traps. The same traps that can be used to get rid of mice or roaches work for scorpions, too. Set them up in dark corners and near sources of water. If you catch a scorpion, throw the trap away and set out another one in the same area, since it's likely a spot that more scorpions will be attracted to.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Keeping Scorpions Out of the House

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  1. Step 1 Remove sources of shelter. 1 Remove sources of shelter. Scorpions like to live in dark places that provide shelter. Check both inside and outside for items that might be acting as convenient hiding places for scorpions.[5]
    • Make sure your boxes are sealed and stored off the ground on shelves.
    • Get rid of clutter. Keep your clothes and shoes well organized and off the floor, if possible.
    • Remove wood and rock piles from your yard.
  2. Step 2 Get rid of other pests. 2 Get rid of other pests. Scorpions feed on insects, so if you have other pest problems in your house, it'll be hard to control the scorpion population.[6] Keeping the house clean, sprinkling boric acid or diatomaceous earth along baseboards, and using insecticide are all ways you can eliminate pests.[7]
  3. Step 3 Seal your house. 3 Seal your house. Scorpions are able to flatten their bodies to fit through very small holes and cracks. Examine your home's foundation for spots that might be serving as entry points. Fill them with caulk. Check your doors, window frames, vents, chimney, and other spots for areas where scorpions can get in, and make sure they're properly sealed.[8]
  4. Step 4 Keep your house dry. 4 Keep your house dry. Scorpions are attracted to wet spots. Make sure none of your pipes are leaking, and install a ventilator in your bathroom so it dries quickly after use. Don't leave wet towels on the floor.[9]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question Where do scorpions like to hide? Chris Parker Chris Parker Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington. Chris Parker Chris Parker Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control Expert Answer They like to hide in warm places. They also like the feeling of being squished a little bit, so underneath rocks, typically, is where you'll find them. People's shoes also seem to be a popular thing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 19
  • Question I find it wrong that cats and chickens are offered as an alternative method to kill scorpions. Even if they are predators of scorpions I would never be fine with risking their life. Why suggest this method? Community Answer Community Answer Because it's a method that works well. If you are not up to using it, find another alternative method. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 50 Helpful 206
  • Question Is it okay for cats to kill scorpions? Community Answer Community Answer Cats are usually very natural at killing animals, but can still be stung by a deadly scorpion. If you do not want to risk your cat being stung then find an alternative method. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 65
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you frequently kill scorpions in and around your home, then focus on eliminating bugs in your home. Scorpions eat bugs, so they are typically present with an influx of bugs. Eliminating their source of food will eliminate their presence in and around your home. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 0
  • Use a vacuum. Use the wand to suck it up. The rotation in the canister kills it almost immediately. This method is quick, easy, and safe. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
  • Scorpions tend to play dead. Never pick one up with your bare hands even if you are sure you killed it. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Never pick up a scorpion with your bare hands. You could get stung. Thanks Helpful 114 Not Helpful 28
  • Don't step on a scorpion in an attempt to crush it with your bare feet. You will get stung. Thanks Helpful 99 Not Helpful 40
  • Arizona Bark Scorpions, which live in New Mexico and Arizona, are dangerous even with one venomous sting. Please do not attempt to pick up an Arizona Bark Scorpion. Thanks Helpful 70 Not Helpful 29
  • Avoid using cats to hunt scorpions. While their fur can help protect them from scorpion stings, they can still be stung and will still need treatment for the pain. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
  • If you have a severe allergy to scorpion venom, consider carrying an epinephrine auto injector with you. Wearing medical identification jewelry can make others aware of your allergy if you fall unconscious or are otherwise unable to speak after being stung.[10] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • If you get stung, remain relaxed and immediately contact for medical help. Do not take any sedatives. If you can do so safely, capture the scorpion so professionals can identify it and determine correct treatment.[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Scorpion
  • Hard striking surface
  • Pesticide
  • Cat or chicken
  • Black light
  • Portable propane torch

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/insects-and-scorpions.html
  2. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/scorpions.html
  3. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/pest-control/get-rid-of-scorpions/
  4. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/earth-kind-gardening-series-mechanical-pest-controls.html#diatomaceous-earth
  5. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Chris Parker. Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/scorpions.html
  8. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-scorpions/
  9. ↑ https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/scorpions.html
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/insects-and-scorpions.html
  2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/outdoor-workers/about/insects-and-scorpions.html

About This Article

Chris Parker Co-authored by: Chris Parker Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control This article was co-authored by Chris Parker. Chris Parker is the Founder of Parker Eco Pest Control, a sustainable pest control service in Seattle, Washington. Since 2016, Chris has been specializing in Integrated Pest Management and doesn’t use any chemicals for pest removal. He offers removal services for ants, rodents, fleas, spiders, wasps, and more. Chris is a certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator in Washington State and received his bachelor’s from the University of Washington. This article has been viewed 542,460 times. 4 votes - 70% Co-authors: 25 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 542,460 Categories: Pest Control Article SummaryX

To kill a scorpion, find a sharp object such as long tweezers or a knife, quickly stab the scorpion’s body, and dispose of it. If you don’t want to deal with the scorpion yourself, consider letting a cat or chicken loose as they are predators of scorpions. To keep scorpions out your house, remove sources of shelter, such as open boxes, cluttered corners, and wood or rock piles from your yard. Scorpions also like wet environments, so keep your house dry by making sure you don’t have any leaky pipes and installing a ventilator in your bathroom. If you want to learn other products you can use, such as sticky traps or diatomaceous earth, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Martha Franco

    Martha Franco

    Apr 9, 2017

    "I travel to Mexico every year. I knew there were scorpions, but I never really saw them around. My husband advised..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chris Parker Co-authored by: Chris Parker Founder, Parker Eco Pest Control 4 votes - 70% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 25 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 542,460 Martha Franco

Martha Franco

Apr 9, 2017

"I travel to Mexico every year. I knew there were scorpions, but I never really saw them around. My husband advised..." more Meriam Rosenberg

Meriam Rosenberg

Jun 17, 2017

"I am moving from San Diego back to Scottsdale, AZ. I began researching how to keep these critters out of my house...." more Alicia Garcia

Alicia Garcia

Oct 4, 2017

"I did not know about diatomaceous earth. I'm going to buy it and spread it on the outside of my house. I have..." more Nancy Wilson

Nancy Wilson

Sep 5, 2017

"Found a small scorpion inside my home, much to my surprise. I managed to trap it and quickly researched what to do..." more Rated this article: T. Mikel

T. Mikel

May 31, 2017

"My husband brought one home from work to show my son. It got loose, I freaked out. Your tips helped calm my anxiety..." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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