The thought of finding a scorpion in your bed is enough to induce nightmares. While scorpion stings are rarely fatal, they can be extremely painful and, in some cases, require medical attention. If you live in an area prone to scorpions, here are some essential steps you can take to keep them out of your bed and your home:

Block Entry Points

• Seal Cracks and Gaps: Scorpions are adept at squeezing through tiny spaces. Inspect your home's foundation, walls, and around windows and doors for any cracks or gaps. Seal them using caulk, weatherstripping, or expanding foam.
• Check Screens: Ensure all window and door screens are in good repair with no holes or tears.
• Inspect Plumbing: Pay attention to areas where pipes enter your home. Seal any gaps around the pipes with caulk or expanding foam.

Create Barriers Around Your Bed

• Move Your Bed: Place your bed several inches away from the wall to prevent scorpions from climbing up from the baseboards.
• Glass Jars: Place the legs of your bed frame in smooth glass jars. Scorpions struggle to climb smooth surfaces, making the jars an effective barrier.
• Bed Skirt: Avoid using bed skirts or other bedding that touches the floor, as scorpions can use them as a ladder to climb onto your bed.

Reduce Scorpion Attractants

• Keep it Dry: Scorpions crave moisture. Fix any leaky faucets, pipes, or AC units.
• Eliminate Clutter: Scorpions love hiding in dark, cluttered spaces. Declutter your home, especially underneath furniture and in closets.
• Control Insects: Scorpions feed on insects. Take steps to reduce insect populations in your home to minimize a scorpion's food source.

Additional Prevention Techniques

• Blacklight: Scorpions glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. Use a blacklight flashlight to scan around your bedroom and other areas of your home at night to spot them.
• Sticky Traps: Place sticky traps in areas where you suspect scorpion activity, like near doorways or potential entry points.
• Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle a layer of food-grade diatomaceous earth around the baseboards of your bedroom for added protection.

If You Find a Scorpion

• Don't Panic: Most scorpion stings are not life-threatening.
• Wear Protective Gear: Put on gloves and long-sleeved clothing before attempting to remove a scorpion.
• Trap and Relocate: Carefully place a large jar or container over the scorpion and slide a firm piece of cardboard underneath to trap it. Relocate the scorpion far from your home.
• Professional Extermination: If you are dealing with a recurring scorpion problem, consider hiring a professional pest control service.

References

• University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension: [invalid URL removed]
• Responsible Pest Control: https://responsiblepestcontrol.net/blog/how-to-prevent-scorpions-from-getting-in-your-bed/

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is stung by a scorpion, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional.