Florida Scorpion

There are a few types of Florida scorpions that look and behave similarly. Although none of the scorpions in Florida have fatal stings, they can still be unwanted guests in and around your home.

Facts, Identification and Control

Below you’ll find essential facts about the Florida scorpion, including answers to common questions, like “Are scorpions deadly?” and “Does Florida have scorpions?” and how to identify them keep them away from your home.

Latin Name

Centruroides gracilis

Appearance

They range from yellow to reddish-brown to brown in color, have flat bodies between two to four inches long, and have eight legs. They have a pair of front pincers.

Facts about Florida Scorpions

Here are some “must know” facts about Florida Scorpions.

Where Do They Live?

Because of the names of these scorpions, you’re probably wondering, “Are there scorpions in Florida?” Yes, Florida scorpions get their name from the state of Florida where they make their home. The Florida bark scorpion and Hentz striped scorpion are more commonly found throughout the state, while the Guiana striped scorpion resides mostly in the southern part of Florida.

What Do They Eat?

These scorpions eat a variety of bugs, like spiders and cockroaches, which they find hidden under rocks or branches, which is good news for homeowners who want to keep other pests under control. They typically hunt for their meals at night.

How Did I Get Florida Scorpions?

The Florida scorpion is naturally drawn to your yard, especially if there are plenty of insects nearby. They usually only enter a home if they’re on the hunt for food and get inside by accident, but they also sometimes move in during heavy rainfall if their regular outdoor hiding spots erode.

How Serious Are Florida Scorpion Problems?

Stings

The sting of a Florida scorpion is, in most cases, not dangerous. However, some people are allergic to the venom from a sting. Although these scorpions aren’t aggressive by nature, they can still sting you if they believe they or their young are in danger. Because they can crawl on furniture, like beds and couches, you could sit or lie on one without knowing until it’s too late.

Nesting

If a Florida scorpion finds just the right spot in your home to have her babies, you could quickly have an infestation on your hands. These scorpions can lay eggs several times each year, making the problem even more significant if you don’t take care of it as soon as possible.

What Can I Do about Florida Scorpions?

These scorpions are not aggressive or deadly, but they will sting if they feel threatened. A Florida scorpion sting can hurt and be extremely dangerous to people who are allergic to its venom. It’s important to enlist the help of a professional to remove them from your home.

Signs of a Florida Scorpion Infestation?

You’ll know when you have an infestation of Florida scorpions when you see them in or around your home. They don’t have many places to hide in your home without getting caught. If you see one scorpion, it’s possible that it came in by accident and didn’t bring others with it. However, seeing a few in one room or area of your home could indicate an infestation.

Florida Scorpion Prevention and Control Tips

Keep windows sealed

You can keep unwanted pests out, most of the time, by ensuring that all cracks around window frames are sealed by a professional.

Control dampness

These scorpions love hiding out in the dark, damp areas, so it’s essential to keep your home dry. Fix any wall leaks in your crawlspace or basement, dry damp laundry as soon as possible, and routinely check for pipe leaks.

Prevent other pests from coming in

Florida scorpions feast on insects, so if you have another insect problem in your home, you’re likely to find scorpions nearby. Have a professional check for pest problems at least annually.

Keep trees and wood away

Wood and bark piles in your yard offer prime spots for a family of scorpions to nestle. Scorpions may also use trees to make their way to your home. Keeping branches of overhanging trees and piles of wood, debris, or bark cleaned up can prevent them from inhabiting your yard or home.

Florida Scorpion Professional Pest Control

These scorpions don’t go out of their way to harm you or your house, but they can take control of your home quickly if they find a cozy spot to hatch their eggs. A Florida scorpion bite sting can also cause severe allergic reactions in people who may not even know they’re allergic. It’s best to call a professional who can identify the scorpions and take proper safety measures to remove them from your home.

FAQ’s

What Do You Do If You Get Stung by a Scorpion in Florida?

Provided you are not allergic to their venom none of the scorpions that are native to Florida have lethal stings. However, being stung by one is painful and the wound can become infected. If you know that you are allergic to scorpion stings seek emergency medical help immediately. Do the same if you think you may have been stung by someone´s pet scorpion that has escaped. There is a slight chance it is one of the highly poisonous ones.

Does Lavender Keep Scorpions Away?

Lavender can keep scorpions away. But the scent needs to be quite strong. There is no point in leaving a bag of old lavender near a crack to deter them. The lavender needs to be fresh enough to still have a strong aroma. Manmade lavender products also do not work very well.

What Kills Scorpions Instantly?

There are a few insecticides on the market that will kill scorpions almost instantly. Cyfluthrin, esfenvalerate, Prallethrin, and Piperonyl butoxide all kill scorpions on contact. However, they should not be used by untrained people. It is better to buy a formulated bug control spray or product and use that. Follow the instructions carefully, especially the safety instructions. If you have more than a couple of scorpions in your home it is usually best to call in a professional pest controller like PestGuide.