Scorpions are present in Miami and throughout South Florida. While their presence might be unexpected for some, several species of these arachnids have established populations in the region.
Scorpion Presence in Miami
Miami is home to several scorpion species, with the Florida bark scorpion (Centruroides gracilis) and the Guiana striped scorpion (Centruroides guanensis) being among the most common. The Florida bark scorpion can reach lengths of two to four inches, often appearing reddish-brown to black with yellowish legs. Its venom, while capable of inflicting a painful sting, is generally not considered life-threatening to healthy adults.
The Guiana striped scorpion is smaller, one and a half to three inches long, with a yellow body, brownish area, and two dark stripes. Its sting is brief but painful, lasting one to five hours, and its venom is mild. Another species found in Florida is the Hentz striped scorpion (Centruroides hentzi), which is smaller, typically two to two and a half inches long, and can be tan to dark brown, sometimes with yellowish-green stripes.
Common Habitats and Behaviors
Scorpions in Miami seek shelter in various environments, both outdoors and indoors. Outside, they commonly hide under rocks, logs, loose bark, and leaf litter, as well as in woodpiles and around building foundations. They are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night when they hunt for prey. Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, and they can also prey on small mammals or even other scorpions.
Indoors, scorpions often enter homes through small gaps and cracks in foundations, around windows, and under doors. Once inside, they tend to gravitate towards dark, secluded, and often damp areas, such as crawlspaces, attics, basements, and closets. They may also be found in unexpected places like shoes, folded clothing, blankets, or even bathtubs and sinks, particularly when seeking water.
Scorpion Stings and Safety
While scorpion stings in Florida are rarely fatal, they can be painful and cause a range of symptoms. Common reactions include immediate sharp pain, tingling, numbness, and localized swelling and redness at the sting site. More severe symptoms, though less common, can include muscle twitching, rapid eye movements, difficulty breathing or swallowing, blurry vision, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. These more serious reactions are a greater concern for young children, the elderly, or individuals with allergies.
If stung, clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort. Seek medical attention immediately if severe symptoms develop, if the sting involves a child or an elderly person, or if there is any sign of an allergic reaction. Contact a local poison control center for guidance.
Prevention and Encounter Management
To minimize scorpions entering a home, take several preventative measures. Seal cracks and gaps in foundations, walls, and around windows and doors to block entry points. Remove outdoor debris like woodpiles, rocks, and leaf litter from around the home’s perimeter to eliminate common hiding spots. Keeping the yard tidy and trimming vegetation away from the house also reduces potential harborage.
Inside the home, managing household pests can reduce a scorpion’s food source, making the environment less appealing. If a scorpion is encountered indoors, avoid direct contact. Use a long tool to remove it or, for persistent issues, contact a professional pest control service.