Scorpions are predatory arachnids characterized by their eight legs, a pair of grasping pincers, and a segmented tail that curves over their body, ending in a venomous stinger. A common concern for many people, particularly in regions where scorpions are prevalent, is understanding which “brown scorpions” might pose a danger and how to manage potential encounters.
Identifying Potentially Dangerous Brown Scorpions
The term “brown scorpion” is a general color description, as many scorpions exhibit brown coloration.
In North America, the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is the only species considered medically significant to humans, meaning its venom can cause severe symptoms. This scorpion typically has a slender body, elongated pincers, and a narrow tail. Its color ranges from tan to yellowish-brown, and adults are generally small, measuring about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length. Unlike many other scorpions, the Arizona Bark Scorpion can climb vertical surfaces.
Most brown scorpions do not pose a serious threat to healthy adults. Other brown scorpions, like the Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus), can be identified by two distinct dark stripes on their back and usually cause milder reactions.
What Happens When Stung
A scorpion sting causes immediate, sharp pain at the site, often accompanied by tingling and numbness. This pain can be intense for the first couple of hours but usually subsides within 24 hours. Often, there is little to no visible swelling or redness at the sting location.
Stings from venomous species, such as the Arizona Bark Scorpion, can lead to widespread and severe symptoms. These might include muscle twitching, rapid eye movements, difficulty with speech or swallowing, blurred vision, drooling, sweating, changes in heart rate or blood pressure, and general restlessness. Symptoms can develop rapidly, appearing within minutes to a few hours, and may persist for several days. Young children and the elderly are more vulnerable to severe effects.
Immediate Steps After a Sting
Clean the wound promptly with mild soap and water. Apply a cool compress or an ice pack to the affected area to alleviate pain and swelling. Elevating the stung limb also reduces discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can manage pain.
Prompt medical attention is advised if the sting is from a known medically significant species, if severe symptoms develop, or if the individual is a young child or an elderly person. Signs warranting immediate care include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, convulsions, widespread numbness or tingling, and significant changes in behavior. Any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or extreme swelling, require emergency medical evaluation. Consulting a local poison control center can provide specific guidance. Avoid cutting the wound or attempting to suction out venom.
Minimizing Encounter Risks
To reduce the likelihood of encountering scorpions, particularly indoors, it is helpful to seal potential entry points in a home’s structure. This includes sealing cracks in foundations and walls, and ensuring tight seals around windows, doors, vents, and utility pipe entry points.
Scorpions are nocturnal and seek dark, secluded, often humid hiding spots during the day. Within the home, it is a good practice to shake out shoes, clothing, and towels before use, as scorpions may hide in these items.
Outdoors, removing debris such as logs, rocks, leaf litter, and woodpiles from around the house eliminates common scorpion hiding places. Keeping the yard tidy, trimming bushes and shrubs away from the house, and reducing sources of moisture like leaky pipes can further deter scorpions. Controlling other household pests can also help, as insects are a primary food source for scorpions.