Scorpions
Scorpions at Home: What Attracts Them and How to Prevent Them
Finding a scorpion in your shoe or behind a piece of furniture is an unpleasant surprise for anyone. In Costa Rica it's more common than you'd think, especially in homes with a yard, firewood, or rooms that don't get much use. The good news: a few concrete tips can help you reduce hiding spots and entry points and feel more at ease. Scorpions look for darkness, moisture, and insects to eat; take those away and they have less reason to stick around. The WHO notes that if you get stung, you should seek medical care.
- Fewer hiding spots means fewer scorpions: keep boxes, firewood, and debris away from the house.
- Shake out shoes and clothes before putting them on; check towels and sheets if you sleep on or near the floor.
- Fewer insects (cockroaches, crickets) means less food for scorpions.
- Stung? Get medical care right away; if you can, bring a photo of the animal (without touching it).
If you're stung by a scorpion, seek medical care. In Costa Rica it helps to identify the species; if you can, bring a photo of the animal (don't handle it).
Prevention tips that actually work
- Yard and surroundings: don't stack boxes, debris, firewood, or stones against the house. Keep the grass trimmed and avoid dense weeds against walls. Scorpions love those corners.
- Shoes and clothes: always shake out shoes, boots, and clothing before putting them on, especially if they were on the floor or in a room that doesn't get much use. Check towels and bedding if you sleep on a mat or close to the floor.
- Cracks and doors: seal cracks in walls, floors, and door frames; add weatherstripping to doors and check that vents and grilles don't have gaps. At night, scorpions can get in through the smallest openings.
- Less "food" for them: scorpions feed on insects. Controlling cockroaches and crickets makes your home less appealing. Fewer bugs means less reason for a scorpion to stay.
- Garage and storage room: keep them tidy; avoid piles of cardboard, fabric, or boxes on the floor. If you store things, use shelving and check on it now and then.
If you're seeing scorpions often or there have been stings, a pest control service can safely treat perimeters and hiding spots. EcoPlagas serves the Greater Metropolitan Area.
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