Are scorpions dangerous? These hardy little venomous arachnids get a bit of a bad rep. While a scorpion sting can be deadly – more on the numbers later – we reckon the main reasons they're so feared is their intimidating appearance and the way they've been portrayed by popular culture over the years.
If you’re planning on spending time hiking or camping in the desert, you probably have scorpions on your list of potential hazards, along with heat stroke and flash floods. We know that scorpions are venomous and, unfortunately people have been killed by their stings. However, people also die of mosquito bites and falling out of bed, so how much of a risk do they really pose? We take a closer look at this poisonous arachnid to determine how much of a worry it really is for hikers, campers and other desert explorers, and tell you what to do if you come across one.
Meet the expert
Julia moved to the US for university and developed a love for the great American outdoors. She enjoy tackling backcountry trails and bagged several Colorado 14ers while she was at it. Now back in her native Scotland, she still keeps a close eye on developments across the Pond.
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What are scorpions?
- Scorpions are nocturnal and are closely related to spiders and ticks
- Their tails feature a poisonous tip used for self-defense and immobilizing prey
- Most scorpions are found in tropical and subtropical climates
Scorpions are invertebrates that are closely related to spiders and ticks, however they more resemble a little lobster, with a curved tail and two pincers. The tail has a venomous tip that scorpions use for self-defense when needed, and primarily to immobilize their prey for dinner. These nocturnal creatures can range from 2.5 inches to over eight inches in length, and are usually light brown but some species can be dark colored.
Scorpions are burrowing animals that need soil to survive and have adapted to many diverse habitats, whether that be in the deserts of the southwestern United States and Africa, the Himalayas, Canada, North Carolina or the Brazilian rainforest. They are so hardy they can withstand freezing, though they prefer a balmier climate and most scorpions are found in tropical and subtropical climates.
Could a scorpion kill a human?
- Of the 1,500 to 2,000 species of scorpion, only 30-40 have strong enough venom to kill a person
- Across the world, Of the 1.2 million stings that occur every year, only 0.27% result in death
- In nations with well developed healthcare, deaths are much rarer
- In the US, the majority of scorpions are found in Arizona, New Mexico and California
Depending on your source, there are between 1,500 and 2,000 species of scorpions in the world, and only about 30-40 of those have strong enough venom to kill a person. Very young children and very old adults are most at risk of dying from a scorpion sting, and death usually occurs several hours after being stung.
According to Medscape, there are an estimated 3,250 deaths from scorpion stings across the world each year, which is only about 0.27% of the 1.2 million stings that occur. Scorpion stings remain a significant public health concern in many underdeveloped countries where access to medical care is lacking, with Mexico averaging 1,000 deaths each year. In the United States, however, that number is significantly lower, with only 4 deaths recorded between 2010 and 2011.
In the US, the majority of scorpions are found in the desert regions of the southwest, in Arizona, New Mexico and California, so you are at some small risk if you live or recreate in these areas. However, the only scorpion in the US that has venom capable of producing severe symptoms is the Arizona Bark Scorpion, which is relatively small – only about three inches long – and light brown in color.
What happens if a scorpion stings you?
If you’re hiking in the desert and sit down on the ground for lunch or go digging around trying to secure your tent and accidentally disturb a sleeping scorpion, you could get stung and the chances are, not very much will happen. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may have the following local symptoms at the site of a scorpion sting:
- Pain, which may be intense
- Warmth
- Numbness and tingling
- Swelling
In other words, it may be a lot like a bee sting. A more serious reaction could occur however, and it’s most likely to affect young children. Signs and symptoms of systemic venom can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle twitching
- Unusual head, neck and eye movements
- Drooling
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting high blood pressure
- Accelerated heart rate
- Restlessness or excitability, or inconsolable crying in children
If you’re unlucky enough to have been stung by a scorpion for the second time, an allergic reaction may occur similar to that with bee stings. This can lead to anaphylaxis, resulting in difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting.
What to do if you see a scorpion?
- If a scorpion crosses your path, leave it well alone and watch from afar
- If it gets too close, you can move it away using poles or cooking utensils
- In regions where scorpions are present, inspect and shake out your clothes, backpack, sleepwear and footwear
- Keep exposed skin to a minimum and don't walk around barefooted
- Some scorpions glow in UV light, so bring one along to inspect your tent at night
If you’re exploring in the desert and a scorpion crosses the trail in front of you, you don’t really need to do anything except admire it from afar and leave it alone. Scorpions won’t attack you and they’ll only use their stingers if they feel threatened. If it’s getting a little too close for comfort, move it away using something like your hiking poles or some camping utensils so you don’t pick it up with your bare hands.
What’s most likely is that you’ll encounter a scorpion by accident. Remember, they’re burrowers, so you might uncover one if you’re pulling wood from a pile for the campfire or accidentally sit on one in the sand. They also might be curious to explore the inside of your best sleeping bag or hiking boots, so the best measure you can take if you’re hiking and camping in scorpion country is to shake out any clothing, backpacks, footwear and sleepwear before using it or wearing it. It’s a good idea to cover up with long sleeves and your best hiking pants, and not to wander around barefoot in the desert too.
Finally, some scorpions such as the Arizona Bark Scorpion glow (fluoresce) under an ultraviolet light, so for extra precaution, you could bring an ultraviolet light to inspect your tent and surrounding area at night. Once you’ve done all that, make sure you zip up your tent properly.
What to do if you get stung by a scorpion
If you are unlucky enough to be stung by a scorpion, the chances are it will be nothing more than painful and uncomfortable. You should treat it using simple first aid procedures:
- Clean the affected area with soap and water
- Use a soothing ointment to reduce swelling
- Apply a cool compress
- You may also take a pain reliever to help with pain and swelling
If you have a severe reaction you should quickly seek medical advice. Also contact local poison control to advise them of a scorpion sting. For more desert misadventures, make sure to read up on what to do if you see a snake too.
