Are scorpions venomous?
The bottom line
Most scorpions in the US are not very dangerous, but painful stings are common. However, serious effects can occur following stings from the bark scorpion. Most stings can be initially managed at home with guidance from a poison center or webPOISONCONTROL, but if prolonged pain or body-wide symptoms occur, emergency medical treatment should be sought.
Prevention Tips
When you are in areas where scorpions are common, wear shoes. Shake out your clothing, bedding, gloves, and shoes often.
Prevent a scorpion from entering your home by applying weather-stripping around doors and windows, and by repairing torn screens.
Do not store firewood against your house or inside.
If a scorpion must be captured, wear boots and other protective wear, use long tongs to pick it up, and place it in a sturdy, sealable container.
Preventative spraying of pesticides for scorpions probably won't work.
This Really Happened
A mother called her poison center about her 2-year-old son who was stung on his finger by a scorpion. He had pain right after the sting happened but was fine shortly afterward. The mother was advised to clean the wound and use pain relievers if needed. Because of where the family lived, it was unlikely that the scorpion was a Centruroides exilicauda (a bark scorpion), but the poison center provided a list of symptoms to watch for, such as unusual muscle movements. When the poison center called back a few hours later to check on the child, he was fine.
What are scorpions? Where do they live?
Scorpions live in warm climates throughout the world, but in the US, their habitat primarily consists of the desert areas of the Southwest. Scorpions are arachnids related to spiders and ticks. They have 8 legs, 2 large pincers, and a stinger arched over the back. They feed on insects, spiders, and other small animals, including other scorpions.
Scorpions are most active at night. This is also when scorpion hunters search for them, using ultraviolet lamps (black lights) due to the glow scorpions emit when illuminated by UV light. Scorpions can enter homes through tiny openings, so people living in scorpion-populated regions must be aware of the threat and take appropriate precautions, such as checking the inside of shoes before putting them on your feet.
Are scorpions venomous?
A scorpion uses its stinger to inject venom and immobilize its prey. Humans are not prey for scorpions but can still be stung if a scorpion is surprised or feels threatened. Fortunately, most human stings are “dry,” meaning that little or no venom is injected. The most venomous scorpions in the US are the bark scorpions (genus Centruroides).
Are scorpions deadly?
Worldwide, scorpions kill several thousand people every year. Scorpions in the US are not as dangerous as those in other parts of the world. Death from a scorpion sting in the US is extremely rare.
What does a scorpion sting look like?
Most animals that bite or sting leave marks that provide identifying clues. However, many scorpion stings leave no marks. The diagnosis is then based on symptoms or testimony from someone who has seen the scorpion.
What are the symptoms of a scorpion sting?
Bark scorpion stings (even the “dry” ones) can be very painful. The pain occurs immediately and is often described as stinging or burning, although sometimes a tingling or numb sensation occurs. In addition to causing pain, the bark scorpion’s sting can sometimes cause abnormal muscle activity like muscle twitching, unusual eye movements, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing and breathing. Agitation, high blood pressure, and changes in heart rate can develop. These effects usually happen quickly, worsen over a few hours, and can last for a day or more. Serious toxicity is usually limited to very young children, whose smaller size results in a higher concentration of venom than in adults.
How to treat a scorpion sting
Treatment for all scorpion stings includes washing the site with soap and water. A tourniquet should never be used. Pain from scorpion stings can usually be managed at home with over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Initially managing a scorpion sting at home is appropriate even if it is known to be a bark scorpion but call your poison center or use the webPOISONCONTROL® online tool to help you through treatment.
If home treatment does not relieve the pain or if you develop body-wide effects, the sting should be treated in an emergency room because prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and other medications might be needed. An antivenom is available in the US to treat serious stings from Centruroides species. However, side effects from the antivenom can occur, and it is very expensive and not stocked by all hospitals.
If you suspect someone has been stung by a scorpion, wash the area well with soap and water, then use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool to get help, or call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Whether online or by phone, expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
