How to Tell If a Scorpion Is Poisonous 

You know, living out here in the desert, you get pretty well acquainted with the nightlife. And let me tell you, some of the most fascinating characters are the scorpions.

These guys are the ultimate stealthy hunters. They’ll patiently lurk in the shadows, biding their time until an unsuspecting victim wanders by. Then bam! They’ll ambush their prey, injecting it with a potent venom that quickly immobilizes the poor thing. Once the venom takes effect, the scorpion tears its meal into chunks and chows down.

If you spend any time in scorpion territory, you’ve probably wondered — are all of them venomous? And which ones should you really watch out for? Having dealt with these arachnids for years, I’ve got some insights to share on that front.

What Do Scorpions Look Like?

Scorpions are creepy critters that are part of the arachnid family, which includes spiders, mites, ticks, and more. Scorpions have a unique shape, which starts bulky at their head and large pinchers, then becomes slender toward the end of their body with a five-segmented tail. 

Their tail contains a poison gland, otherwise known as a stinger, which injects venom into their prey or unsuspecting humans. Like spiders, scorpions have eight legs and several pairs of eyes, usually two to five pairs. However, they don’t see well and rely on their sense of touch to help them move and locate their prey.

Scorpions prefer feeding on insects, such as ants, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. However, they will also eat lizards, spiders, centipedes, and other scorpions if given the opportunity. Scorpions can go weeks to months without feeding between meals. After feeding, it takes about four to seven days to digest their prey fully, depending on the size of the meal and environmental temperature.

These dangerous species live in North Africa, the Middle East, India, Mexico, and South America.

The venom toxicity varies greatly among scorpion species, even those in the same genus. Venom potency depends on the scorpion’s size and age, along with environmental factors. Younger scorpions tend to have more toxic venom than older adults of the same species.

In the U.S., the Arizona bark scorpion is the only species considered fatal. It lives in Arizona, southwest New Mexico, and parts of southern California and Utah.

Scorpions primarily use venom to kill and digest prey. They are not aggressive toward humans and typically only sting in self-defense if accidentally threatened or disturbed. But for high-risk individuals like the elderly, children, or those with allergies, Arizona bark scorpion stings can be medically serious and require immediate care.

Let’s explore scorpion stings in more detail:

Signs and Symptoms of Scorpion Stings

A scorpion sting can affect the nervous system, causing immediate pain, along with other local and systemic symptoms.

Both local and systemic symptoms vary in severity depending on factors like scorpion species, venom toxicity, and victim sensitivity. Scorpion stings often feel like a bee sting, but cause a sharp burning pain at the sting site. Most adult stings cause only local pain and discomfort. 

However, some people have severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock. Arizona bark scorpion stings can be particularly dangerous in children and older adults.

Whether this is using ultraviolet light to find the scorpions and remove them, setting up insecticide, or contacting your local pest control professional, I strongly recommend not placing your family at risk of being stung by these painful critters, especially if you live near highly venomous scorpion species.

Habitat and Diet

Scorpions prefer feeding on insects, such as ants, cockroaches, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. However, they will also eat lizards, spiders, centipedes, and other scorpions if given the opportunity.

Scorpions can go weeks to months without feeding between meals. After feeding, it takes about four to seven days to digest their prey fully, depending on the size of the meal and environmental temperature.

So, Are All Scorpions Dangerous?

While all scorpions produce venom, only about 25 species worldwide have venom capable of killing humans. In the U.S., the Arizona bark scorpion is the only notably dangerous scorpion found primarily in the southwestern states.

For most healthy adult humans, a scorpion sting causes primarily localized pain, swelling, and discomfort — albeit very painfully. But, people with allergies or certain medical conditions can experience severe, systemic reactions affecting the whole body. Risk groups like small children and the elderly are also more vulnerable to serious adverse effects.

While not all scorpions are considered medically dangerous, they can still deliver an extremely painful sting, even worse than a wasp sting. If you live where scorpions stay, work proactively with a pest management professional to exclude scorpions from entering your home. Reducing habitat and food attractants around your property also helps discourage these unfriendly nighttime hunters from taking up residence where people live, play, and sleep.

If you find scorpions on your property, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local exterminator for help dealing with these dangerous pests. Scorpions aren’t a pest you want to tackle yourself, especially if you don’t have the proper protective gear.

Final Thoughts

From my many years of experience, I can tell you that while all scorpions are venomous and capable of delivering a painful sting, only a handful of species pose a serious risk of fatality to humans. By educating myself about the local scorpion species in the areas where I live and work, and taking the proper precautions, I’ve learned how to avoid problematic run-ins with these stinging arachnids.

If I do happen to get stung, I know to carefully monitor the symptoms and seek medical attention if needed, especially for high-risk groups like small children and the elderly. Working closely with pest control professionals has been crucial for me in preventing scorpion infestations around homes and properties.

I always recommend not taking chances with these pests. With a bit of vigilance and the right professional help, scorpions can be kept at bay while minimizing the risk of getting stung by one of the few venomous species that can cause serious medical issues. Stay informed and be proactive — that’s the key when it comes to dealing with scorpions.