By April Reese
University of Georgia
Large frontal pinchers, six pairs of eyes, eight legs, a tail
tipped with a venomous stinger — sounds like a nightmare. But
it’s really just a “harmless” scorpion.
A scorpion uses its front pinchers mostly as feelers because
even with a dozen eyes it can’t see very well. And the venom in
its stinger, which it raises threateningly above its body, is no
stronger than a typical bee’s.
They’re not as dangerous as they look, said Elmer Gray, and
entomologist with the University of Georgia College of
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
“Many species of scorpions are innocuous, or nonpoisonous,
and produce stings that are followed by sharp pain or a burning
sensation and a lump, which usually disappears with no
complications,” he said.
At least two species, Gray said, are native to Georgia: the
Southern devil (Vejovis carolinianus) and striped
(Centruroides vittatus) scorpions. The former can grow
to 1.5 inches long, while the latter can get a bit bigger.
“These scorpions aren’t considered life-threatening, although
some people may have … reactions such as swelling and fever,”
he said. “People who have allergic reactions to bee stings may
be more likely than others to have the same reactions with
scorpion stings.”
Although scorpion stings in Georgia aren’t normally deadly,
they still hurt. And “scorpions are aggressive and will sting if
provoked,” he said.
Treating the sting
Gray suggests using an ice pack and pain relievers to ease
the pain of a sting.
“Washing the wound lessens the chances of secondary
infection,” he said. “Antihistamines may help. … Calamine
products, such as Caladryl, or corticosteroids can also be
applied if swelling is prolonged.”
If you have an unusual or prolonged reaction, he said,
contact a doctor.
Night travelers
“Scorpions are nocturnal,” Gray said, “and hide under debris,
including boards, rocks, tree bark and rubbish piles during the
day. They’re attracted to areas that provide shelter, moisture
and their prey — mostly insects.”
Scorpions don’t usually live in packs or travel in groups, so
it’s rare to become infested with them. But watch out for
mothers or you might wind up with more than you bargained for.
“Female scorpions produce an average of 32 young,” Gray said.
“The mother produces live young, which climb onto her back and
remain there for five to 15 days. The young will molt in three
to six days, and the typical life span for scorpions is three to
five years.”
Avoiding stings
Avoiding stings is the best protection. Gray suggests ways to
limit exposure to scorpions.
“Remove all debris and vegetation that are directly adjacent
to a home’s foundation,” he said. “Wear gloves when moving rocks
or boards around the yard. Avoid putting your hands where your
eyes can’t see. And be sure to wear shoes when walking outside at
night.”
Some nonchemical tactics for long-term outdoor control
include:
- Move trash and debris.
- Store firewood and lumber off the ground.
- Remove unnecessary rocks, bricks and blocks.
- Install a barrier strip of gravel around the foundation of
the house. - Keep vegetation trimmed around the foundation of the
house. - Seal any openings or crevices in outside walls.
- Screen and weatherstrip doors, windows and vents.
- Repair leaky air conditioners and other outdoor water
sources.
Chemical treatments may be necessary, Gray said, to quickly
reduce pest populations.
“A perimeter treatment focusing on potential points of entry
can reduce movement into a building,” he said. You’ll get the best
results if you apply the treatment at dusk.
(April Reese is a writer with the University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
