Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Scorpions Hazards of the Outdoors Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network

All scorpions are nocturnal and are usually not seen during daylight hours unless their hiding places are disturbed. They nest and hide under objects on the ground outside and crawl spaces under buildings, and in attics and walls indoors. Scorpions enter homes through weep holes in brick, plumbing and electrical holes in flooring and walls and under doors. If a scorpion is spotted indoors it should indicate to the homeowner that some caulking is needed (Figure 29).

Figure 29 - Adult southern devil scorpion Photo by James O. Howell, The University of Georgia

Scorpions can be discouraged from nesting in and around buildings by removing harborage such as piles of wood and debris. Firewood should be stored off the ground and several feet from buildings.

People working outdoors should wear gloves when raking leaves or removing old boards, bricks and rocks and other rubbish.

Campers should rake leaves and other ground litter away from the areas where tents or sleeping bags will be used.

Since scorpions are mainly nocturnal, people should not walk around barefoot at night in homes where scorpions have been seen or around camp sites and cabins.

In the U.S. the most dangerous species is Centruroides sculpturatus. It occurs in Arizona and eastern California. Scorpions found in the southeastern U.S. are not considered dangerous species. However, if a person is stung they should be watched carefully for signs of a systemic reaction.