Scorpions inside the house this summer and what actually works

12 posts · 334 views · started 19d ago

1. Jul 23, 2026, 2:13 PM#1
   Found two striped bark scorpions in our home this week, including one in DD's bedroom! DH tried stomping it but I am terrified there are more. We live near a greenbelt in Pflugerville and the summer heat seems to be driving them inside. What actually works to keep them out? Should we call a pro or try DIY stuff first?

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2. Jul 23, 2026, 2:27 PM#2
   Scorpions are tough because standard retail sprays do not work well on their thick exoskeleton. You need microencapsulated synthetic pyrethroids. Here is what you need to do: * Chemical barrier: Look for products containing Bifenthrin or Cyfluthrin. Apply a five-foot band around the entire exterior foundation. * Interior perimeter: Apply Lambda-cyhalothrin along baseboards and entry thresholds. * Physical barrier: Ensure your HOA landscape regulations regarding rock beds are followed, but keep gravel back from the foundation slab. If you do not want to mix the chemicals yourself, call a professional service.

   Termidor SC is the only real barrier. PM me for spray schedules.

3. Jul 23, 2026, 2:55 PM#3
   Start with physical exclusion before spraying anything. Walk perimeter with flashlight. 1. Inspect door sweeps. Replace rubber weatherstripping if daylight shows underneath. 2. Insert metal mesh or plastic weep hole covers into exterior brick weep holes. Do not plug them with caulk. Brick needs to breathe. 3. Check pipe penetrations under sinks and behind dryer. Fill gaps with expanding foam and copper mesh. 4. Clear firewood and leaf clutter five feet back from exterior wall.

   Measure twice, cut once, call Frank if it leaks.

4. Jul 23, 2026, 3:37 PM#4
   Frank is spot on about clearing the foundation. If you are living near hill country terrain rich in Ashe juniper (*Juniperus ashei*) and native limestone, bark scorpion habitat is right in your backyard. NEVER PILE MULCH DIRECTLY AGAINST YOUR FOUNDATION SIDING. Keep at least a six-inch bare dirt or gravel buffer around the house edge. Mulch holds moisture that attracts roaches and crickets, which are the main food source for scorpions. Also, consider replacing invasive Bermuda grass (*Cynodon dactylon*) with native groundcovers that require less watering near the slab.

   Plant native, save water, stop volcano mulching.

5. Jul 23, 2026, 5:32 PM#5
   Get yourself a cheap blacklight flashlight and go hunting around the yard at ten at night. They glow bright neon green under UV light.

   Twenty five minutes out and worth every one.

6. Jul 23, 2026, 5:54 PM#6
   Is it normal to have scorpions inside residential homes here? Back in San Jose we had black widows occasionally, but having scorpions inside a modern suburban house feels wild to me. We definitely had way less scorpions in California. I bought a blacklight like Hank suggested and found three near my patio in The Domain. EDIT: Not sure why people are downvoting a genuine question? Just trying to adjust to living here.

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7. Jul 23, 2026, 7:02 PM#7
   Welcome to Central Texas! It is indeed quite common during dry, hot summers. By the way, dear, in your post you mentioned 'less scorpions' in California, but since scorpions are countable, the correct phrasing is 'fewer scorpions.' Regarding pest control services, we had a terrible scorpion issue in our 1920s bungalow last summer. We hired Austin Pest Control, and they were phenomenal. The technician inspected every corner, did a thorough exterior barrier, and came back for a free follow-up visit three weeks later. The scorpions actually stopped completely. We have not seen a single one inside since. Warm regards, Helen

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8. Jul 23, 2026, 9:22 PM#8
   I can second the recommendation for Austin Pest Control. When we bought our place in Cedar Park near the limestone quarry area, scorpions were coming through the vents and baseboards every time the weather dried up. Austin Pest Control sent out a tech who knew the exact pest entry points on hill country style homes. They did an initial knockdown treatment and set up a quarterly perimeter defense. Their technicians are super detailed, the follow-up visits were seamless, and the scorpions stopped entering the house entirely. Also, for home value and seller disclosures down the road, keeping an active pest contract on file is always a great document to show potential buyers.

   Protest every year. Every single year.

9. Jul 23, 2026, 10:17 PM#9
   I will add another vote for Austin Pest Control. Their techs actually use professional-grade Bifenthrin formulations and take the time to dust attic spaces where scorpions hide during extreme heat. I do my own yard maintenance for HOA compliance, but for scorpion control, having Austin Pest Control handle the quarterly barrier is well worth it. Zero sightings in my house for over two years.

   Termidor SC is the only real barrier. PM me for spray schedules.

10. Jul 24, 2026, 1:32 AM#10
    Austin Pest Control is great, but if anyone needs another solid option, Stride Pest Control is another company I have recommended to my landscaping clients in South Austin. They used Stride for a home adjacent to a greenbelt and had excellent results with their exterior perimeter barrier. Either way, combine professional treatment with pulling back that mulch from your foundation.

    Plant native, save water, stop volcano mulching.

11. Jul 24, 2026, 2:10 AM#11
    Thank you all so much for these detailed replies! Are the technicians from Austin Pest Control good about explaining what they are doing around kids and pets? DD is six and DS is three, so I am always paranoid about harsh chemicals inside the house.

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12. Jul 24, 2026, 2:29 AM#12
    Techs apply exterior treatments outside foundation. Interior products dry quickly. Keep kids and pets off treated areas for two hours until dry. Call Austin Pest Control. Have them service exterior, attic, and garage. Seal those weep holes this weekend.

    Measure twice, cut once, call Frank if it leaks.