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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by pitbulllady on November 6, 2009
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The scorpion in AL is Vaejovis carolinensis, one of the two(or three, depending on which arachnologist you talk to)species found in SC, and the most common. I've been stung twice by the species, and while they are tiny, they DO hurt a lot worse than a bee sting! It's more like someone holding a lit cigarette to you for 15 minutes. I've become sensitized to many scorp venoms, though, so I tend to have a more pronounced reaction than most folks do. V. carolinensis produces a severe, migraine-like headache in me that lasts for around 3-4 days, but most people aren't going to experience that reaction. I got nailed by a much "hotter" species, Centroides vittatus, several years ago, and had a really bad, prolonged reaction that lasted for months. That species, while not native to our state, has a small population in the Midlands that has been established for many decades. Every scorpion sting I've gotten has been the result of me inadvertantly pressing down on the animal, putting my hand on it without knowing it was there, or in the case of the Centroides, accidentally folding it up in my elbow! Scorps are not aggressive and will normally sting only as a last resort, and will usually pinch first rather than waste venom on something they can't eat. I've seen barn cats catch and eat V. carolinensis many times, so cats apparently aren't phased by the venom of these, even if they do get stung.
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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by Buzztail1 on November 6, 2009
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Just thought I would take this opportunity to point out that "harmless as a bee sting" is really misleading.
While a bee sting is really not much to most people, they kill lots of people every year. There really is no way of knowing ahead of time whether someone will have an anaphylactic reaction to their first scorpion sting.
As far as a lit cigarette held against your skin for 15 minutes - well a young US Marine died from that a few years ago too. I guess anaphylaxis is Death's way of saying "I couldn't figure out any other way to get you."
R/
Karl
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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by Cro on November 8, 2009
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Scorpions have a venom that keeps on stinging.
It does not just hurt just a bit, and you get over it
like a wasp sting, it will often continue to to hurt a
lot, and can last a long, long time.
Like all other venomous creatures, stay away from the
"pointy end."
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by Magic on October 27, 2010
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Ok...so I'm paranoid now. I just killed a scorpion that was crawling across my living room floor about 15 min. ago. The reason I'm paranoid is because I was putting my 12 week old baby to sleep!!! I had on just enough light and saw something moving on the floor. Needless to say it was a scorpion!!!!! I need to get rid of them...where there's one, there's more!! Please help??!!!!
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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by Cro on October 30, 2010
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Long lasting insecticides that are Pyrethrin based can be sprayed around door jambs to help discourage scorpions from entering your house.
Also, make sure the physical seal of the door sweep is good.
You could also set out glue traps, and likely catch them from time to time that way.
If they are getting in through the plumbing from your septic tank, there is not much that can be done to prevent them.
Best Regards
John Z
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RE: Scorpions in Alabama
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by snakeguy101 on November 2, 2010
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I have had a few come in with plants that I bought at a garden center or nursery. If you recently bought a new plant that could be the point of entry for them. None of these scorpions are deadly though and although it will hurt, you will certainly live. Diatomacious earth is a good way to kill or discourage insects and it is 100% safe for plants, pets, and children. Just sprinkle some in your carpet after you vacuum.
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