Scorpions

Recognize the signs

Pincers and tail

A true scorpion has eight walking legs, paired grasping pincers and a segmented tail ending in a sting. Size and color alone are poor measures of medical risk.

Young

Scorpions give birth to live young that initially ride on the mother's back. Small pale individuals near a female can therefore be young scorpions, not separate insect larvae.

Shelter

Many are active at night and shelter in crevices, under objects or in burrows. A specimen indoors shows an entry or shelter problem but does not by itself quantify the population.

Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

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What else could it be?

Pseudoscorpions

Tiny arachnids with pincers but no segmented stinging tail. A clear full-body view distinguishes them from true scorpions.

Earwigs

Six-legged insects with antennae and paired pincers at the abdomen tip, rather than a single arched stinging tail.

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A tail hidden from view

A partial photograph can conceal the distinguishing tail. Obtain a full-body image from a safe distance rather than assuming a pincered animal is harmless.

Inspect the right places

1. Inspect before contact

   Wear shoes and check footwear, gloves and clothing before putting them on. Use a light around storage and furniture; do not put a hand into a dark crevice or under a rock.

2. Map access

   Record safe photographs and locations. Inspect door sweeps, screens, service penetrations and stored firewood. A building professional should preserve necessary ventilation and drainage when designing repairs.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. After a sting

   Wash the site and contact local poison control or medical care promptly for individual advice. Keep the person's age, location, symptoms and time of sting available. Do not delay care while trying to capture the animal.

2. Treat serious symptoms as urgent

   Breathing or swallowing difficulty, abnormal muscle or eye movements, collapse or other body-wide symptoms require emergency care. Children can be particularly vulnerable.

3. Reduce contact indoors

   Keep people and pets away from the sighting. Arrange safe removal if you cannot contain the animal without approaching it; do not pick it up by hand or tail.

4. Improve the building and surroundings

   Repair screens and weather-stripping, reduce clutter and move firewood away from the house. Investigate recurring prey and moisture conditions. A professional can assess persistent indoor activity and any targeted treatment.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not cut or suck a sting or use a tourniquet.
• Do not assume a small scorpion is more dangerous, or a large one harmless, from size alone.
• Do not rely on routine preventive spraying to compensate for open entry points and shelter.
• Do not move rocks or reach into debris bare-handed while searching.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Maintain shoes-and-gloves checks where scorpions occur.
• Keep firewood and loose materials away from walls and accessible for safe inspection.
• Use suitable screens and door seals, preserving required building drainage and airflow.

Common questions