Florida Scorpions: How scary are they?

Yes, Virginia, Florida has scorpions.  However, according to University of Florida Extension Entomologists, none of them are able to produce a fatal sting.  Most folks would view these occasional invaders as a nuisance, and want to know how to control them.

In Florida, encounters with life-threatening non-native scorpions are possible only in the movies or as a result of stowaways or released exotic pets. Of 90 US scorpion species, only four occur east of the Mississippi River.  And, only one of the 90 domestic scorpions, which usually live in the southwest, can kill people. There are about 1,300 species of scorpions worldwide.

Scorpions vary in size from one to four inches long.  These crab-like animals are dark brown, have a broad flattened body, and are compete with ten legs.  The front pair of legs is modified into claw-like pincers which are used to hold their prey.  

Their most noticeable feature is their curled fleshy tail.  It is usually held over their body.   It ends in an enlarged upturned tip that ends in a stinger. The sting is used for defense as well as for capturing prey.

Scorpion venom is a nerve poison, but the dose injected usually is not enough to kill adults. While no Florida scorpions are capable of inflicting a lethal sting, those that have had scorpion stings report that it is very painful, probably more so than a wasp sting.  Scorpions rarely sting humans except when pinned against the skin, such as under clothes or when trapped in bed sheets.  The site of the sting may be sore and swollen for some time.  An antivenin is available for severe reactions to scorpion stings, so medical attention is a good idea.

According to UF Entomologist Lyle Buss, our office visitor was a Florida bark scorpion, sometimes called the slender brown scorpion (Centruroides gracilis).  It is the largest of Florida’s three scorpion species.  The smallest and most common Florida scorpion is the Hentz striped scorpion (C. hentzi), which is found statewide except the southernmost Keys.  The third Florida species is not found in south central Florida: the Guiana striped scorpion (C. guianensis) is intermediate in size between the other Florida Scorpions and crawls only around Collier, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

Scorpions like to hide outside under boards, rubbish, or other areas that provide shelter and protection. They are a nuisance especially in recently built homes. These predators are active at night, and do their share to reduce pests in and around the home.  Another interesting feature about scorpions is that they glow under ultraviolet lights – so get out the black lights to help track them down.

If you encounter a scorpion, the natural reaction is to kill it.  Physical force will do the trick, but be prepared with a quick carefully aimed stomp with a heavy boot.  Glue boards may also be helpful in capturing both scorpions and their food sources without pesticides.  However, pesticides may sometimes be needed for Scorpion control. 

To view this entire article, please visit http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Florida%20Scorpions.htm

If need help eliminating scorpions, contact A1 Super Heroes at (954) 255-2233 to speak with one of our professionals.