eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Check For Scorpions At Night

Member
By Gary Barnes
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Photo by Flickr user furryscaly
Photo by Flickr user furryscaly
Gary Barnes, Flickr user furryscaly

Now that the summer months are upon us, many outdoor critters will start to head inside. If you live in warm and arid environments, keep yourself safe by knowing how to check for scorpions at night. This also comes in handy while out camping. It only takes a second, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble later on!

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Mini UV Light
  1. Step 1
     

    Purchase a UV flashlight. Key chain UV flashlights powered by tiny battery cells can usually be found at major electronics retailers for only a few dollars. These flashlights might also be sold as "blacklight" flashlights.

  2. Step 2
     

    Ensure that your flashlight is working ahead of time, before you might need it for something dire. It is important to note that UV flashlights are very harmful if shined directly in one's eye, so never point it at anyone. Also, if using a mini key chain flashlight, be sure to not leave it on too long, as the batteries might run low.

  3. Step 3
     

    Wait until it is dark, then shine your UV flashlight around an area where you will be checking for scorpions. If a scorpion is nearby, you may see tiny glowing yellow/green flecks that the scorpion has shed and left behind. If out camping, make sure to shine your flashlight close to the ground to make sure you catch anything, and make sure you cover the entire vicinity.

  4. Step 4

    If you do find a scorpion, you'll know instantly because it will glow bright yellow/green under the UV light. If this occurs, it is best to avoid irritating the scorpion. If you find one in or around your home, use precaution while trying to move it. A dust pan with a long handle or something similar is your safest bet.

  5. Step 5

    If using this technique while out camping, make sure to regularly do a quick check around your camp site to make sure no scorpions have made their way into your area since your initial run through.

Tips & Warnings
  • Mini UV lights are great for travel, but if you're using it around your home, you may want to invest in a larger UV flashlight.
  • Be careful when dealing with scorpions, try to avoid confrontations at all costs.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy .   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. † requires javascript

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden