Scorpions, like wasps, look very intimidating, especially the stinger at the end of their curled tail, but these occasional invaders are primarily a nuisance and are not out for your children. Actually, encounters with life-threatening non-native scorpions are the result of stowaways or released exotic pets. There are 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide; of the 90 scorpion species found in the U.S., only four occur east of the Mississippi River.

Scorpions, class Arachnida, vary in size from 1-4 inches long. The species found in Florida are crab-like, and tend to be reddish-brown to brownish-black to black. They have a broad, flattened body and ten legs, the front pair of which are claw-like pincers used to hold their prey. Their most noticeable feature is their fleshy tail that is usually held over their body. At the end is an enlarged tip that has a large stinger, which is used for defense as well as for capturing their prey.

The smallest and most common Florida scorpion is called the Hentz striped scorpion, which is orangish-brown and is found all over the state except in the southernmost Florida Keys. The largest of Florida’s three scorpion species is the Florida Bark scorpion, also known as the Slender Brown scorpion. The third Florida species, the Guiana Striped scorpion, is yellowish-brown in color and is usually around 2 ½ inches long. It is only found around Collier, Monroe and Miami-Dade counties.

Scorpions are typically found hiding outside under boards and logs, under firewood, around piled bricks, and under debris or other areas that offer shelter and protection. They are natural predators and hunt nocturnally. Although it’s not common, scorpions have been known to wander indoors. However, they do reduce pests in and around the home as they feed on insects, spiders, cockroaches, lizards, crickets, and similar small animals. Florida bark scorpions have been known to feed on termite grubs as well.

Prey is located primarily by sensing vibrations. Their pincers have an array of fine sensory hairs that sense air-borne vibrations; the tips of the legs have small organs that detect vibrations in the ground. The surfaces of the legs, pincers, and body are also covered with thicker hairs that are sensitive to direct touch.

Scorpions have a long lifespan, usually 3 to 5 years. Males and females engage in a courtship ritual before mating, known as “the courtship dance”. Scorpions do not lay eggs and their young are born alive. On average, a female gives birth to about 25-35 young.

After birth, the young scorpions climb on the mother’s back where they remain until their first molt, usually within a week or two after birth. Once they climb down, they live independently, molting five or six times before reaching maturity. They have a long gestation period varying from several months to a year and a half. Females have been known to eat their own young, and adults will also readily eat their own species.

To reduce or eliminate scorpions in the home, make sure to place debris piles on blocks away from the house. Keep firewood outside it is ready for use, and wear gloves when picking up firewood, plywood boards, etc. It also helps to cut branches back and keep them from hanging over the home. Replace damaged screens where scorpions may be able to wander in, and use caulk to seal cracks and use weather stripping to seal door openings. Glue traps may also be helpful in catching scorpions as well as their prey.

It should also be noted that scorpions glow under ultraviolet lights. If one or more is thought to have gotten indoors, or a pet scorpion has escaped, a black light can be used to help track them down.

Scorpion venoms are complex mixtures of neurotoxins and other substances, which affect the victim's nervous system. No Florida scorpions are capable of inflicting a lethal sting; however, it can be painful. A scorpion sting has been likened to a more severe wasp or hornet sting. If stung, clean the site with soap and water and hold an ice pack against it to reduce swelling.

When a scorpion stings someone that is allergic to their venom, it may produce severe pain and swelling at the site of the sting; other symptoms may include numbness, frothing at the mouth, difficulties in breathing (including respiratory paralysis), muscle twitching, and convulsions. Medical attention should be sought immediately. Death is rare since an antivenin is available for severe cases. Death by scorpion sting, if it occurs, is often the result of heart or respiratory failure some hours after the incident.

Despite their bad reputation and fearsome appearance, only one species in the U.S. and about 20 others worldwide have venom potent enough to be considered dangerous to humans. The world's most dangerous scorpions live in North Africa and the Middle East, South America, India, and Mexico.

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