Some pests can be frightening, especially scorpions. Despite popular belief, scorpions are not as dangerous as you think, and their stings are only as potent as a bee or wasp. However, you still do not want scorpions in your home. Luckily, in Georgia, there are only two scorpions that you need to know about to protect your home and family.
As a Georgia resident, you may be surprised to learn that there are several species of scorpions living in the state While the thought of coming across one of these intimidating arachnids may seem frightening, scorpions in Georgia are generally not considered dangerous. By learning more about these misunderstood creatures, you can coexist with them safely
Overview of Scorpions in Georgia
There are 4 main species of scorpions found in Georgia
- Southern Devil Scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus)
- Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)
- Hentz Striped Scorpion (Centruroides hentzi)
- Slender Brown Scorpion (Centruroides gracilis)
The most commonly encountered scorpion in the state is the Southern Devil Scorpion. This scorpion reaches about 1 inch in length and has a dark reddish-brown body. Its pincers are thick and long, while its tail is wide with a large stinger.
While the Southern Devil Scorpion’s sting is painful, it is not deadly. The venom causes redness, swelling, and tenderness lasting a few days. More concerning are potential allergic reactions, which require urgent medical care.
The other 3 species are also relatively small, reaching 1-3 inches long. They possess stripes, spots, or other markings on their tan to brown bodies. Like the Southern Devil Scorpion, their stings may hurt but are not medically significant for most people.
Scorpion Habitats in Georgia
Georgia scorpions occupy a diversity of habitats across the state. During the day, they seek shelter underground, under rocks, logs, leaf litter, and other debris. At night, they emerge to hunt for prey.
Inside homes, they may take up residence in crawlspaces, basements, attics, and garages. Check carefully under clutter and stored items when scorpions become a nuisance indoors. Outdoors, meticulously inspect rock piles, mulch beds, and woodpiles bordering the home.
Geographically, scorpions reside statewide but are especially common in northern and central regions. Look for them in forests, grasslands, and scrublands. Within cities, they live in parks, gardens, and other semi-natural areas.
Georgia Scorpion Stings
When confronted by humans, scorpions prefer to flee rather than fight. Stings usually occur when the arachnids get trapped against skin or accidentally disturbed.
If stung, immediately wash the area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling and pain. Over-the-counter analgesics like acetaminophen can further ease discomfort.
Seek medical attention if stung on the face or if signs of an allergic reaction develop, including hives, wheezing, and tightness of throat. Children and elderly individuals should also receive prompt medical care.
For most healthy adults, Georgia’s scorpion stings resemble wasp stings in severity. While painful, the venom only causes local effects around the sting site. Complete recovery takes place within a few days.
Avoiding Scorpions in Georgia
The easiest way to avoid scorpions is to deny them access to your home. Seal cracks in the home’s foundation and openings around windows, doors, and pipes. Install weatherstripping below doors and door sweeps to block gaps.
Closely follow these tips to discourage scorpions on your property:
- Eliminate standing water like leaky hoses and bird baths
- Clear heavy vegetation touching exterior walls
- Cut back tree branches overhanging the roof
- Move woodpiles and debris away from house
- Store firewood on elevated racks
- Turn off outdoor lights attracting insects at night
Inside, regularly inspect attics, basements, closets, and other undisturbed areas. Shake out shoes and clothing before use. Keep floors vacuumed and clutter-free. Monitor for scorpions especially in laundry rooms, garages, and bathrooms.
Scorpion Facts
- Glow fluorescent under UV blacklights due to compounds in exoskeleton
- Give birth to live young instead of laying eggs
- Equipped with sensitive hairs to detect vibrations
- Capture prey using pedipalps (pincers) and stinger
- Eat insects, spiders, centipedes, and other scorpions
- Nocturnal hunters hiding during daylight
- Found on every continent except Antarctica
Scorpions receive an outsized reputation as fearsome, deadly creatures. But in Georgia, only four relatively harmless species reside. Their stings, while very painful, rarely cause lasting health effects for healthy individuals. If left alone, scorpions pose little threat to people. But taking sensible precautions will minimize unwanted encounters with these fascinating arachnids inside and outside Georgia homes.
Here are the two primary scorpions in Georgia:
- Southern Devil Scorpion: these creatures are usually light or dark brown, and are one of the most common scorpion species in Georgia
- Striped Bark Scorpion: these creatures look exactly like their name, and they tend to have a dark black or brown stripe down the middle of their body and have long tails
When looking out for these two scorpions around your home, they tend to be black, brown, or gray in color. They are about 2.5 to 3 inches in size, and most people are able to recognize them from their claws and tails, which is what makes them appear a lot scarier than they are. If you see a scorpion in your home, here are some ways you can prevent that:
Scorpions in Augusta Georgia
FAQ
Are scorpions in Georgia poisonous?
Answer: Georgia scorpions are not dangerous, not more than a wasp sting. There is just one dangerous species in North America: the bark scorpion. It has very potent venom. For the most part, the worst result of a scorpion sting would be an allergic reaction to the venom, much like a bee or wasp sting for some people.
Where do scorpions live in Georgia?
Striped Bark scorpions prefer sandy ground, so you are more likely to find this type of scorpion in the southern part of Georgia.
Should I be worried if I see a scorpion in my house?
- Stay Calm : Most scorpions are not dangerous, but it’s best to avoid panic.
- Keep Your Distance : Do not attempt to touch or provoke the scorpion.
- Contain the Area : If possible, close doors to the room where the scorpion is located to prevent it from moving to other areas of your home.
- Capture It
- Release It
How do I keep scorpions out of my house in Georgia?
- Install door sweeps to close any extra space.
- Clear debris like firewood or leaves and keep yard tidy.
- Get rid of other pests that could be scorpion food.