Does Bleach Kill Scorpions?

Dealing with scorpions can be intimidating, especially if they’ve made their way into your home. If you’re considering bleach as a solution, it’s worth understanding its effectiveness and limitations. Bleach can damage the scorpions’ exoskeletons, but it’s not a reliable method for scorpion control or preventing an infestation.

Here’s a detailed guide on whether bleach can kill scorpions, why it’s not the best option, and what methods are more effective for keeping scorpions away.

Key Takeaways

• Bleach is a temporary fix for killing scorpions but doesn’t address hidden areas or prevent infestations.
• Cracks, clutter, and open gaps in your home create perfect hiding spots that help scorpions thrive indoors.
• Sticky traps and black lights make it easier to track, catch, and monitor scorpions in your space.
• Professional pest control is the best option when scorpions persist despite sealing gaps and using natural solutions.

Why Bleach Isn’t the Best Solution

Bleach is a harsh substance that can kill any species of scorpions if sprayed directly. When applied to a scorpion, it can break down its tough exoskeleton and suffocate it. 

However, scorpions are experts at hiding in crevices, crawl spaces, and other secluded areas, making it unlikely you’ll reach them all.

Moreover, bleach doesn’t address the root causes of scorpion infestations, such as entry points or food sources like roaches and crickets.

How to Get Rid of Scorpions Without Bleach

Instead of bleach, here are more effective methods for addressing these arachnids and preventing infestations:

Seal Entry Points

Scorpions are sneaky and can slip through tiny gaps—sometimes as small as 1/16 of an inch! Check your home for cracks in walls, gaps around pipes, and spaces under doors. Use caulk to seal these openings and add weatherstripping where needed.

Eliminate Hiding Places

Scorpions love hiding in cluttered, dark spaces.

Indoors, organize closets, basements, and other storage areas. Outdoors, clear away piles of firewood, rocks, or leaves too close to your house. Trim back bushes and shrubs to remove cozy hiding spots near your foundation.

Try Natural Scorpion Repellents

Essential oils like peppermint and lavender can act as mild repellents.

Spray diluted solutions around baseboards and entry points. Diatomaceous earth is another effective natural substance that can deter scorpions by damaging their exoskeletons.

Place Sticky Traps

Sticky traps are a smart, easy way to deal with scorpions.

Put them along baseboards, under furniture, or near entry points to catch scorpions where they’re likely to roam. Not only do these traps capture scorpions, but they also help you keep tabs on how active the pests are in your home.

Use Black Lights to Spot Scorpions

Grab a black light and inspect areas where they might hide—like closets, crawl spaces, and even your yard at night. This trick makes it much easier to find and remove scorpions before they can cause trouble.

How to Prevent Scorpion Stings in the Long Term

Prevention is the key to keeping scorpions like the striped or Arizona bark scorpion away from your home:

• Keep potential food sources like cockroaches, crickets, and wasps under control.
• Fix any leaks, especially in basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
• Avoid overwatering your lawn.
• Inspect your home regularly for cracks, crevices, and gaps.
• Apply caulk to seal them, especially around windows, doors, and baseboards.
• Use borax or boric acid on crevices and other potential hiding spots.
• Avoid relying on DIY bug spray bottles, as they can worsen the problem.

When to Call a Pest Control Company

While bleach may kill scorpions, it’s not the most practical or effective way to handle an infestation. Instead, focus on long-term preventive measures like sealing entry points, removing hiding spots, and using natural repellents. But if scorpions are still a problem, don’t worry—Reliant Pest Management is here to help.

We offer professional pest control services that are safe, thorough, and designed to give you peace of mind. From identifying problem areas to applying treatments that work, we’ll make sure your home is protected from scorpions.

Give us a call today, and let’s take care of your scorpion problem so you can enjoy a pest-free home!