Tackle summer challenges: Spiders and scorpions

Sandra Sleezer, Entomologist & Technical Service Coordinator, MGK

Summertime brings out more than just long days and family time; spiders and scorpions are just getting comfortable inside homes. This may result in an influx of calls.

Spiders:

Many customers have trouble with spiders around their boathouses, but applying insecticides around natural waterways can be tricky, as most applications would have a tendency to drift and contaminate the water. Instead, try a product that can be painted onto the interior of the boathouse. This can eliminate the risk of drift, and avoid exterior boat applications where it could wash off in a rain event.

Scorpions:

Scorpions are another summer foe. While regular insecticide applications to the exterior of a structure will help keep scorpions from entering a structure, implement cultural control tactics and physical barriers as well. Store firewood off the ground and away from the house; seal or protect any openings, including under doors; and remove any unnecessary rocks from the exterior, which can serve as harborage for scorpions.