Scorpions in Georgia

Return to Pest Gallery Brown Scorpions

Scorpions are found throughout Georgia. They are easy to recognize because of their unique body shape and large pinchers. Scorpions have a stinger located at the end of their long narrow tail which is designed to be primarily used to kill prey, however it is also a defensive weapon and delivers a very painful sting.

Scorpions feed on a wide range of small animals including crickets, spiders, caterpillars, and centipedes. They have very poor vision so they often lie in wait for prey, grabbing anything that wanders into their area. Development from birth to the adult stage may take more than a year. Mature individuals grow just under 3" long and may live for another 2 years.

Brown scorpions are usually found around rocky hillsides. Crumbling rock faces, brick walls, crawl spaces, leaf-covered areas, and log piles are favorite habitats. Scorpions are most likely to be seen in or around houses from April through June but can be active until fall. Dense ground cover, such as leaf litter or mulches, tall grass, wood piles, or general clutter provide excellent protection for scorpions and the small creatures that they eat.

Encounters occur when people disturb these "shelters". Scorpions are not aggressive but will raise their pinchers and tail in an attempt to scare away anything that bothers them. They will strike if touched or accidentally grabbed. A venom, produced by a pair of glands located near the end of the tail, is injected by the stinger. The sensation is a sharp pain that usually lasts for 15 to 30 minutes, similar to a wasp sting. Reactions can vary depending on age or sensitivity of the individual and the amount of venom injected. Persons stung by scorpions just emerging from their winter hiding places may have pain that lasts for several hours.

A routine pest control service can provide a very good defense against scorpions hiding in your home or business. For more information on controlling scorpions in Georgia, please give us a call or contact us online.