Most scorpions hide in the shade during the daytime to avoid losing body moisture in extreme heat. They find shelter under rocks, woodpiles and other debris. Some scorpions hide in burrows, instead, digging small holes in the ground as deep as they need to reach a better temperature.

While scorpions usually live in hot, dry conditions, they have also been found on mountains, in caves and in residential areas. They are adaptable pests that can slow their body’s metabolism significantly to survive without food and water.

Scorpions usually enter buildings only if there are better food sources inside. They can get inside through windows, under doors or through cracks in the external walls or foundation. They might also be carried inside in boxes, plants or furniture being moved from storage. Once inside, they can hide in clothes, shoes or cabinets.

Scorpions are nocturnal, hunting for their prey at night and hiding in the shade during the day. They eat other insects, such as spiders, cockroaches and crickets. Their diet also includes lizards and small mammals. Scorpions get most of their water from the food they eat. If water is available, they can survive without food for several months.

A scorpion usually waits in its hiding place or burrow for prey to pass by. Its stinger paralyzes the prey so that it’s easy for the scorpion to feed. They have strong claws to grab onto prey and chelicerae, or mouthparts, that are sharp enough to feed on insects and mammals.

Scorpions molt as they grow. Once they reach maturity, they become nocturnal and begin to hunt for their own food. This can involve entering the habitat of their prey and stinging them or hiding and waiting for prey. Their average lifespan is between three and five years but some have lived as long as a decade or more.

Scorpions will look for indoor shelter if the conditions outside aren’t ideal. This could mean excessive rain, limited food supply or other factors that cause these pests to search for a better habitat. Basements, attics and garages are places where scorpions can easily find cool, shady hiding spots. These are also where other pests are more likely to live, providing scorpions with an accessible food source.

Boxes and cluttered items are preferred hiding places for scorpions, so use caution when moving these items inside your house. Scorpions can be accidentally moved into homes when things are moved from storage.

Scorpions can be dangerous to anyone with insect allergies. They can also be harmful to pets and frightening to find in your home. The best way to get rid of them is to prevent them in the first place. Call an Aptive professional to ensure that you and your home won’t be the target of scorpions or other pests.

You can also follow our tips to avoid attracting them:

1. Keep debris and piles of outdoor materials away from your home so scorpions won’t find places to hide.

2. Inspect any plants, boxes, furniture or equipment before you store it in a garage or bring it into your house.

3. Maintain a short lawn and trim shrubs so they’re less likely to approach the walls of your house.

4. Make sure the entry point of plumbing and wiring are sealed and use weather-stripping to close the gaps under doors.

5. Call your local Aptive branch to discuss a customized scorpion control plan.