Scorpions occur throughout Florida and should be easily recognized by their large pincers near the head and by their thin tail carried over the back. The arched tail ends in a bulb-like poison gland equipped with a stinger. And that’s what can hurt you. Forget those pincers. They are used only for holding food, which might be small insects.


Scorpions hide under stones, bark of fallen trees, boards, firewood or other objects that lay on the ground. Although individual reactions to the sting may vary, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately if a person, particularly a child, has severe reaction to a scorpion sting. Ice packs or alcohol swabs applied to the sting area are normally the suggested first-aid treatments. Chemical control for scorpions is not particularly effective.