If you’ve ever wondered how a scorpion ended up inside your house, the answer is almost always the same: it found a way in. These arachnids are surprisingly good at slipping through small spaces—and once they’re inside, they’re hard to notice until it’s too late.
Here are the top 5 ways scorpions get into homes—and how to stop them:
1. Gaps Under Doors
Scorpions can flatten their bodies and slide through door gaps as thin as a credit card.
How to fix it:
- Install door sweeps on exterior doors
- Make sure garage doors seal tightly to the floor
- Check for worn or missing weather stripping
2. Cracks in Foundation and Walls
Tiny cracks in your home’s foundation or siding offer easy entry for scorpions—especially near the base of exterior walls.
How to fix it:
- Inspect your foundation regularly
- Seal cracks with caulk or expandable foam
- Repair damaged stucco or siding
3. Vents, Drains, and Utility Penetrations
Scorpions can enter through poorly sealed dryer vents, air conditioning lines, and utility pipes—especially those that go through exterior walls.
How to fix it:
- Use mesh screens or steel wool to block open vents
- Seal around pipe and cable entry points with silicone caulk
- Install covers on floor drains in laundry rooms and basements
4. Attics and Rooflines
In some homes—especially in the Southwest—scorpions can climb up trees, walls, or fences and drop into attics through soffit gaps, roof vents, or loose shingles.
How to fix it:
- Trim branches that touch or hang over the roof
- Inspect attic vents and soffits for openings
- Install fine-mesh screens to keep pests out
5. Open Windows and Screens
Even a small tear in a window screen is an invitation. Scorpions are nocturnal and often seek entry when it’s cooler at night.
How to fix it:
- Repair or replace damaged window screens
- Keep windows closed in the evening if unscreened
- Check for gaps around window frames
Stopping scorpions starts with sealing off their favorite entry points. With a few smart upgrades and regular inspections, you can make your home a lot less welcoming to these uninvited guests.
Unfortunately, it's nearly impossible to completely seal your home. You may want to plug in a few Scorpion Detectors to help you identify where scorpions are entering your home.