HELP, I’VE BEEN STUNG!

Natural sciences

Only between 20 and 30 species worldwide are deadly to humans.

CHILDREN Because children are so much smaller, scorpion venom is more dangerous for them. If a child is stung by a scorpion, they must immediately be taken to a doctor. A sting from the Parabuthus granulatus (granulated thick-tailed scorpion) can be fatal, especially to a child. Symptoms can start within 15 to 16 minutes after being stung.

GET MEDICAL HELP It’s always best to seek medical attention for a scorpion sting, especially when a child becomes restless, experiences stabbing pain or pins and needles. Other symptoms might include sweating, discomfort, increased blood pressure, drooling, nausea and vomiting, allergic reactions and convulsions. ICE THE AREA The tissue surrounding the affected area might swell. Put ice on the area of the sting to relieve the pain, since common pain medication usually doesn’t work for a scorpion sting. Don’t move too much and cover the wound with a dry, sterile bandage. Scorpion anti-venom is available. thick tail + small pincers = highly venomous.

THICK TAILS Scorpions with thick, well-developed tails and thin, relatively underdeveloped pincers are the most venomous.

When you’re stung by one, you’ll experience a burning sensation, intense pain, swelling, cramps and muscle spasms. The venom can also make it difficult to breathe and might lead to death.

MEDIUM TAILS The sting of a scorpion with a medium-sized tail and thick pincers feels like a bee sting. It’s more uncomfortable than dangerous.

THIN TAILS Scorpions with thin tails and thick pincers aren’t very venomous – their sting feels like a prick from a needle and might itch a bit.

Prevention is always preferable and it’s useful to know that scorpions are repelled by essential oils such as cinnamon, lavender, peppermint and cedarwood. Dilute any of these oils with a bit of water and spray it in areas where scorpions might be a problem.