Scorpion

📖Biology and behaviour

Scorpions are nocturnal arachnids that hide under stones, in cracks, wall voids, firewood and piles of debris during the day and come out at night to hunt insects. In parts of India, such as some regions of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the red scorpion can cause serious stings, particularly in children.

They enter buildings through gaps under doors, through drains and roof edges, especially during or after the monsoon, in rural homes, farm sheds and new developments built on previously open land.

⚡Quick facts

Active

At night

Hides

Stones, debris, wall cracks, shoes

Season

Often more seen in and after the monsoon

Risk

Painful sting, can be serious in children

🔎How to spot an infestation

• Scorpions seen indoors at night, near doors, bathrooms and corners
• Scorpions found in shoes, clothes or bedding
• Piles of stones, bricks, firewood and rubbish near the house
• A large population of insects such as crickets and cockroaches, which are their food

🛡️How to prevent it

• Seal gaps under doors and cracks in walls and floors
• Fit door sweeps and screens over drains and vents
• Clear rubbish, bricks, firewood and weeds from around the house
• Shake out shoes, clothes and towels before use and do not sleep on the floor
• Reduce other insects that scorpions feed on
• Use a torch when moving around outside at night