Yes — Florida has scorpions, but the news is mostly good. Florida hosts only three native scorpion species, all of which deliver stings comparable to a wasp (painful, but not life-threatening to healthy adults). Here’s what you need to know about Florida scorpions.
The Three Florida Scorpion Species
1. Florida Bark Scorpion (Centruroides gracilis)
- 2-4 inches long
- Reddish-brown
- Lives in palmetto thickets, under bark, sometimes climbs trees and walls
- Sting: painful, like a wasp; not medically dangerous to healthy adults
- Most common Florida scorpion encountered indoors
2. Hentz Striped Scorpion (Centruroides hentzi)
- Smaller (1-2 inches)
- Tan/yellow with two darker stripes on back
- Lives under rocks, logs, debris
- Sting: mild — comparable to bee sting
3. Guiana Striped Scorpion (Centruroides guianensis)
- Found only in southern tip of Florida
- Similar size and behavior to Hentz
- Mild sting
Florida does NOT have the Arizona Bark Scorpion (the medically dangerous species). Florida scorpions are nuisances, not threats.
Where You’ll Encounter Them
- Palmetto thickets and palm trees
- Under loose bark
- Garage corners and storage areas
- Pool decks at night
- Boat covers and outdoor furniture
- Inside shoes left outside
How to Reduce Scorpions Around Your Home
Eliminate Harborage
- Remove woodpiles, debris, and clutter from yard
- Trim palms and palmettos away from house
- Seal gaps in foundation and around windows
- Install door sweeps
- Remove leaf litter from yard
Treat Perimeter
Scorpions are arachnids and respond to insecticides similar to spiders.
Best product: Bifen IT sprayed on foundation perimeter, around windows and doors, in garages.
For granular yard application: Bifen LP Granules broadcast across yard.
Use UV Light to Find Them
Scorpions glow under UV light — fluorescent green-blue. A handheld UV flashlight reveals their location at night, especially helpful when treating new yards.
What to Do If You’re Stung
- Wash the sting with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress for 15-20 minutes
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
- Apply hydrocortisone or aloe to the area
Seek medical care if: severe systemic symptoms (difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, vomiting), or if the person stung is elderly, very young, or has known allergies.
Prevention in Specific Locations
- Inside shoes: Shake out shoes left outside before putting them on
- In bedding: Pull back covers fully before getting into bed if scorpions have been an issue
- Pool deck: Sweep furniture before sitting; check pool covers before adjusting
- Garage: Keep boxes off floor; treat perimeter twice a year
FAQ
Are Florida scorpions dangerous?
Not to healthy adults. Stings hurt but aren’t medically dangerous. Children, elderly, or allergic individuals should be more cautious.
Why is my house attracting scorpions?
They follow insect prey (crickets, roaches, spiders) and seek shelter. Reducing both food source and harborage typically eliminates indoor scorpion problems.Where can I find related guides?
See our spider ID or indoor bug spray guides.
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