When you think of Florida, you probably envision palm trees, sunshine, and pristine beaches. But living in this beautiful state has some less-than-glamorous realities. For example, the presence of scorpions.

Homeowners know to be on the lookout if they have a house in Florida with scorpions, since they occasionally make their way indoors. This can cause considerable discomfort for residents, which is why you need to understand how they enter your home and what you can do about it.

You also need to know about the different types of scorpions you may encounter on the Treasure Coast, whether you live in Stuart, FL, Port St. Lucie homes, Jensen Beach, FL homes, Fort Pierce, FL, and beyond. Once you understand scorpions and ways to identify an infestation, you can take the necessary prevention strategies to handle them safely. 

The Most Common Types of Scorpions Found in Florida

If you're a resident of the Sunshine State or interested in moving there, you need to familiarize yourself with the most common scorpions. This can help you identify the type of predatory arachnid inside your home.

Florida Bark Scorpion

The Florida bark scorpion can be any number of colors, such as red and black. It also has bands and markings that are various colors, such as:

  • Yellow
  • Brown
  • Red
  • Orange
  • Black

This scorpion can cause serious symptoms. It can be very difficult to identify the different types of scorpions, so a trip to the doctor is the best course of action. For children and the elderly, they should always seek immediate medical attention. 

Hentz Striped Scorpion

The Hentz striped scorpion is thought to be the United States' most commonly encountered scorpion. This doesn't mean you want it in your home. Although it's smaller than the Florida bark scorpion, it's still two to two and a half inches long. 

This dark brown scorpion is striped with yellow and green, as the name suggests. These stripes run lengthwise across their bodies, so be on the lookout in all types of homes, including gated communities and areas with lots of landscaping. 

Guiana Striped Scorpion

This species of scorpion makes a home in Florida's most southern region in the most humid, hottest parts of the state. They live in all types of homes — golf cart communities, affordable retirement neighborhoods, bustling towns, and more. 

These scorpions are typically between one and a half and three inches in length. They are typically yellow in color and have a brown back. Additionally, they typically have two dark stripes that run lengthwise from side to side. 

What Should You Do If Stung By a Scorpion?

These three scorpions have similar behavior patterns and appearance. Their stings are rarely fatal, but this doesn't mean you should ignore a sting.

If a child is stung by a scorpion, you should always seek immediate medical attention. The same holds true for older adults, as these two populations are the most vulnerable. 

Some at-home scorpion sting treatments include:

  • Thoroughly washing the sting site, using soap and water
  • Using a cold pack or ice wrapped in a wet cloth to help ease pain and swelling (for 20 minutes)

Tylenol or Ibuprofen to help with the pain of a sting. Always check with pediatricians for age restrictions and dosing instructions.

How Did Scorpions Get Into Your House?

Scorpions live outdoors and are commonly found beneath leaf piles, under rocks, and inside debris. However, as outdoor conditions change, scorpions are drawn indoors.

Some of these unfavorable outdoor conditions include extreme heat, drought, and heavy rain. This is when they're most likely to look for shelter, and it may be inside your home.

Like insects, they seek out food, water, and cool, dark spaces. They also seek safety from predators, which can draw them indoors.

It doesn't matter if you live in a tiny home or one of the richest neighborhoods in Florida, scorpions can make their way indoors by any number of entrance points. They live in all types of areas, including Vero Beach, FL, golf cart communities, Jensen Beach, FL homes, and more.

Here are some examples of ways scorpions can enter a dwelling:

  • Gaps and cracks in your home's foundation, windows, and doors
  • Plumbing areas and poorly sealed vents
  • Firewood, when carried indoors

You can work to prevent scorpions from entering your home by ensuring all windows have screens. If your screens have holes, consider replacing them or using screen repair tape.

You should also avoid leaving doors open for any length of time. If scorpions enter your home, they typically head for shelter in basements, attics, behind furniture, in closets, and in shoes, among other undisturbed places. 

Signs You May Have Scorpions In Your Home

Scorpions aren't like rodents and ants. They're secretive and prefer a solitary existence.

This means you may not see them until you encounter one by accident. However, you can look for warning signs of scorpions in your home.

If you find live or dead scorpions, it's the most clear indicator that they're entering your home. You may also see increased insect activity. This is especially true for small bugs like roaches and crickets, as they're among a scorpion's favorite snacks. 

Look for shed exoskeletons after they molt. You may also notice nocturnal sounds, although this is rarer.

For example, you may have sounds inside your walls or underneath floors, especially if you have an infestation. Scorpions will invade any type of property — new home construction, curb appeal properties with lots of landscaping, golf course homes, Jupiter, FL homes, and more — which is why you need to be diligent with spotting them and calling pest control if necessary. 

Since scorpions are nocturnal, you're more likely to see them at night. You can even use a blacklight flashlight to look for them. Their exoskeleton has chemicals in them that make them glow neon blue-green under UV light or in natural moonlight. 

How to Prevent Scorpions From Coming Into Your Home

To prevent scorpions from entering your home, seal all entry points, looking for any gaps and cracks. This includes:

  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Pipes
  • Vents
  • Foundation

You should also install weather stripping and door sweeps. If you have cracks in your home's foundation and walls, use caulk. 

Always keep your yard clean and tidy. Remove wood piles, leaf litter, and any rocks from around your home's foundation. Try to keep these piles as far from your home's outdoor relaxation and recreational areas as possible, especially if you have a children's playset or other outdoor toys. 

Always keep your grass cut short and bushes trimmed back from the house. If you have firewood, store it at a minimum of 20 feet from your home and keep it off the ground. 

Remember that scorpions eat other insects, so control your home's pest population. By removing the scorpion's food source, you're reducing your home's appeal. You can also work with a pest control company to repel scorpions or look into natural treatments. 

Natural Remedies for Scorpions

You may want to try mixing 20 drops of lavender or cedar essential oil with water, creating a mixture. Next, spray it around your home's foundation, window casings, and door frames. Other scents that may work as a repellent include:

  • Lavender
  • Cedar
  • Peppermint

Cedarwood and cinnamon oils can also repel scorpions. Mix these essential oils with water and spray the mixture along any doorways and baseboards. 

Remember that "natural" doesn't mean "non-toxic," so always exercise caution and keep these products out of reach of children and pets. If they accidentally ingest anything, immediately call poison control. 

You should also reduce your home's interior clutter. Keep all storage areas neat, organized, and off the ground.

Consider plastic totes to keep your belongings from piling up on the floor, especially with shoes, clothes, and toys. Before using towels, shoes, linens, and clothes, shake them out, especially if they've been sitting undisturbed. 

Always fix plumbing leaks immediately and reduce moisture in your home. Use dehumidifiers in damp areas, including bathrooms and basements. Always ensure your home has proper drainage around the exterior. 

Safe Ways to Handle Scorpions

If you find a scorpion in your home, stay calm. You can call pest control if you aren't comfortable handling them yourself or find more than one. 

You can trap and release scorpions using a jar and a thin piece of cardboard or a stiff piece of paper. Thick gloves are recommended. You can also use long-handled tongs to carefully relocate the scorpion outdoors, also using gloves. 

Don't ever let children or the elderly handle scorpions. Additionally, don't squish scorpions with your bare hands or feet. You risk getting stung, and scorpions release pheromones that can attract other scorpions. 

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) can be sprinkled around entry points, keeping it away from children and pets. This natural powder dehydrates and kills scorpions when they walk across it. When in doubt, contact a professional pest control company to ensure you don't have an infestation. 

Does Your House in Florida Have Scorpions?

If your house in Florida has scorpions, you may need to contact professionals. You can also try natural remedies to repel them, and keep your property clean and tidy. 

You should also eliminate clutter from your home's interior, working to prevent hiding places for these arachnids. Always shake out clothes, towels, linens, and shoes before use, as these are common scorpion hiding places. 

Seal entry points, reduce moisture, and seek immediate medical attention if your child or an elderly adult is stung by a scorpion. By staying aware and prepared, you can work to reduce the incidence of scorpions in your Florida home, especially when shopping the Treasure Coast MLS for your next real estate adventure!