The Popular Landscaping Tree That May Be Bringing Scorpions To Your Yard
While many types of insects and critters give homeowners the "heebie-jeebies", scorpions are especially seen as nightmarish pests. Many homeowners in the United States rarely deal with this unique arachnid, but those in states with warmer climates come across them regularly. In states including Arizona, California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas, scorpions are especially common, and handling them isn't an enjoyable task.
Despite their lack of popularity, many homeowners inadvertently attract scorpions to their homes and yards with their landscaping choices. More specifically, even though palm trees can be lovely additions and help boost a home's curb appeal, they tend to attract scorpions. Scorpions love the shade and moisture that the bark of these trees provides. In addition to palm trees, citrus trees can attract scorpions to your home as well. Orange trees and lemon trees may bring scorpions to the yard and lead to an infestation that will be difficult to handle.
How your desert landscaping draws scorpions in
Palm trees attract scorpions to the yard because they love the amount of cover that the trees provide. Scorpions can easily get behind the bark and have access to moisture as well as the privacy and cover they need. On the other hand, scorpions tend to be attracted to citrus trees because rotting fruit can attract insects — a great food source. Citrus trees also provide shade and a hiding place, much like palm trees do.
Scorpions may also appear on your property if your landscaping isn't kept up well. If you have overgrown bushes or trees, these can provide shade and give scorpions great places to hide. Any darkness or shelter that you provide could become a home for scorpions, so take care of your yard. Avoid making it too attractive to them by eliminating shade and allowing more sunshine to enter. Trim bushes and trees, remove fallen leaves and branches, and get rid of any areas where a scorpion could hide such as piles of rocks, logs, or mulch.
Scorpions are also attracted to even small areas of moisture, so get rid of standing water that's in your yard if you want to keep them away. Also, seal up cracks that are in and around your home. Scorpions will find a way through cracks if they can, so checking for them is the first thing you need to do if you find a scorpion crawling around your house.
How to get rid of scorpions that are in your yard
If scorpions have already become comfortable and cozy in your yard, there are ways to get rid of them. The best way is to eliminate any food sources and hiding places that are present. Trimming back palm tree bark can make your yard less appealing to scorpions and reduce their numbers.
Certain smells can also help to deter scorpions as well. For example, you can add the popular herb known as lemongrass to your garden to ward off scorpions. Many other plants have been known to repel scorpions including marigolds, mint, and lavender. You may also want to try spraying the best essential oils for getting rid of scorpions. This includes lavender, peppermint, cedar, and cinnamon essential oils.
If you have a serious scorpion problem, it may be best to call professionals. However, you can also take the DIY route. You can kill scorpions on your own using a store-bought scorpion-killing product or a natural alternative. Spraying boric acid on scorpions or adding diatomaceous earth to cracks, crevices, and hiding places are two natural options that can work well.