Are there scorpions in Georgia? Here's what they look like, where they are found
Here's what Georgians need to know:
Breda Pest Management and Zone Pest Solutions say there are primarily two species of scorpions in Georgia: The Southern Devil scorpion and the striped bark scorpion.
The Southern devil scorpion, also called the Southern stripeless scorpion, lives in the Piedmont and the mountains of central and north Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The striped bark scorpion appears in Coastal Plain pine woods and sandy soil areas.
Southern devils only grow to about 1.5 inches in length and are dark brown all around. The striped bark scorpion is pale yellow with two dark stripes on its back and a dark triangle on the top of its head. It can also grow up to 2.75 inches in length but most are 1-1.5 inches.
Both of the previously mentioned scorpions are considered venomous. However, their stings are generally considered painful but non-life threatening unless you are allergic, similar to wasps. It's also worth mentioning that they are typically nocturnal and have no interest in humans unless threatened.
As stated before and as reiterated by the Cleveland Clinic, scorpion stings are often harmless and do not require special medical attention. Here's what you can do at home:
Clean the site of the sting with soap and water.
Apply ice or a cold compress to the area.
Elevate the area so it's at the same level as your heart.
Use an antihistamine or corticosteroid on the affected area.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen to reduce the pain.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Are there scorpions in Georgia? What to look for around your house
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