Yes, but they’re not everywhere. Although three types live in Florida, the bark scorpion is the most common species. This tiny brown insect lives primarily under rocks and logs near rivers or lakes.
One way to tell if you’ve seen a bark scorpion is by looking for its two large pincers at the front of their body with an additional claw at each side. Bark Scorpions aren’t very aggressive and rarely sting people unless threatened or handled carelessly. Their long tail-like appendages can also identify them on their back end.
Since bark scorpions are nocturnal, they are more active at night or near dusk and dawn when it’s dark out. We’ll discuss the bark scorpion more below, as well as the Hentz striped scorpion and the Guiana striped scorpion.
The 3 Types of Scorpions Found in Florida
There are three species of scorpion in Florida: the bark scorpion, the Hentz striped scorpion, and the Guiana striped scorpion.
1. Bark Scorpion
The bark scorpion is the smallest of the three species. Females are about an inch long, and males can be up to 2 inches long. They are typically tan with black spots on their backs.
Bark scorpions prefer to live under logs or other wood piles and loose bark from trees like palmettos, pines, and oaks. They also hide in animal burrows. They are nocturnal, so they hunt for food at night, which consists of insects, other small invertebrates, and young or injured lizards.
Bark scorpions are not harmful to humans but can sting you if you disturb them. They are found in areas with a moist, warm climate, such as swamps or lakes.
2. Hentz Striped Scorpion
The Hentz striped scorpion is the main predator of the bark scorpion. It is brown with brown stripes covering most of its body, including its head, legs, and tail. Females are around 3 inches long, but males are about 2 inches long. The females have a small “tail” at the end of their tail, while males do not.
The Hentz Striped Scorpion hunts mainly at night for other scorpions and spiders. It lives in areas with moist soil, such as near ponds or streams, under logs, behind rocks and other objects, and around houses.
They are not aggressive and will only sting when threatened, though it can cause illness or death to their prey if they do. Since they are nocturnal animals, Hentz striped scorpions are active at night.
3. Guiana Striped Scorpion
The Guiana striped scorpion is the most dangerous of the three scorpion species and can grow up to 4 inches long. It is black with purple stripes running from its head down all along its body, legs, and tail.
The Guiana striped scorpion hides in dark places under rocks, logs, or other wood piles during the day but comes out at night to hunt. These scorpions live near water and can be found near the border of Brazil, French Guiana, Suriname, and Guyana, where there are many rainforests and swampy areas.
Guiana striped scorpions are more dangerous than other types because they have neurotoxic venom, which affects your central nervous system, paralyzes muscles, and can result in death.
- Also See: Are There Scorpions in New York?
Are Scorpions in Florida Dangerous?
In short, yes. Bark scorpions are classified as a nuisance species because they can bite or sting people, but their venom is not fatal to humans. Hentz and Guiana striped scorpions have venom that can affect your central nervous system, paralyze your muscles, and cause death to humans.
If bitten by a bark scorpion, you will feel pain. If stung by a Hentz or Guiana striped scorpion, you may experience muscle weakness and numbness within 30 minutes, with possible convulsions and respiratory failure within 72 hours as the venom spreads through your body. It is important to remember that most scorpions found in the United States are not dangerous, but you should always carry a flashlight at night and wear closed-toe shoes while outside to avoid stepping on one. If you find a scorpion near your home or workplace, contact a pest control company immediately for removal.
How to Get Rid of Florida Scorpions in the House?
Scorpions are considered pests in homes, so pest control professionals use several methods to get rid of them. There are two ways to eliminate Florida scorpions in the house: live removal and chemical control.
- Live Removal: Live removals are a great way to capture the scorpions in your house without using harmful chemicals. Remember that they are tiny and can access small spaces like under appliances, around pipes, or in cracks and crevices. The best time for live removal is when the sun is shining so that you can see the scorpions more easily. Scorpions also like to hide under the boards of a home’s foundation. Wear gloves and a long-sleeved shirt while doing this, as scorpions can bite you if they feel threatened.
- Chemical Control: If live removals are not an option, chemical control is the next best thing. Chemical control takes time to work and should be applied after dark. The most common chemical for scorpion control is permethrin, which can be sprayed inside and outside your house. When using any insecticide, you must read all instructions carefully since it can harm children or pets if not used correctly.
Conclusion
Florida is home to many types of wildlife, including scorpions. While they may be a nuisance, exterminating them is unnecessary unless you have issues with the dangerous species, such as the Guiana striped scorpion. Contact your local pest control company if you see any in your home, and they can be removed safely.
Related Reads:
- Are There Scorpions in Alaska? What You Need To Know!
- 2 Scorpions Found in Tennessee (with Pictures)
- Scorpions Found in Oklahoma (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Sari ONeal, Shutterstock
