When most people think of scorpions, they picture the dry deserts of Arizona or Hollywood villains waving them around in action movies, but not Florida’s sunny backyards. Surprise! The Sunshine State has its own share of scuttling stingers, and while they might give you a fright in the night, Florida scorpions aren’t nearly as deadly as their desert-dwelling cousins. Let’s crawl into the facts!
Florida’s Three Native Scorpions
Florida is home to three scorpion species, and NONE of them can deliver a fatal sting to humans (breathe easy).
- Florida Bark Scorpion
The heavyweight champ of the bunch, this reddish-brown to black beauty can reach up to four inches long. It hides under bark, stones, or woodpiles, waiting for nightfall to go hunting. - Hentz Striped Scorpion
Florida’s most common scorpion, and also the smallest at just 2 to 2.5 inches long. Tan to dark brown with faint stripes, this little guy shows up in yards and houses across the state. - Guiana Striped Scorpion
The rarest, limited to Miami-Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties. Sporting a yellow body with dark racing stripes, it looks like it’s dressed for a track meet, but you probably don’t want it running around your house!
The Sting Factor
A Florida scorpion sting won’t land you in a deadly, desert drama. It’s painful; just think wasp sting with an extra side of swelling. Despite this, Florida scorpion stings are not considered dangerous for most people. Scorpions rarely sting humans in the first place unless pressed against skin (like when someone accidentally squashes them in clothing, shoes, or bedding).
Pro tip: Shake out those beach towels and sneakers before slipping them on because you never know who might’ve checked in overnight!
Scorpion Lifestyle: Creepy, Yet Cool
- Nighttime Hunters – Scorpions are nocturnal and chow down on termites, spiders, and other insects (hey, free pest control!).
- Hide-and-Seek Masters – By day, they tuck themselves under bark, rocks, logs, or inside your home.
- Unwanted Houseguests – Following insect prey, they sneak into crawlspaces, attics, sinks, tubs, and yes, even your shoes and bedsheets.
Scorpions in Your Home? Here’s the Fix:
If you’d rather not wake up to a surprise stinger in your laundry pile, here are some smart prevention tips for these uninvited Airbnb guests of Florida pests:
- Clear the Clutter – Remove woodpiles, stones, and debris where scorpions like to hang out.
- Trim Back Trees & Shrubs – Don’t give them a bridge into your roof or foundation.
- Seal It Up – Caulk cracks and crevices in your home’s exterior.
But, let’s be real, scorpions are sneaky, and sometimes DIY just doesn’t cut it. That’s where GATO GUARD steps in.
Why Call GATO GUARD?
Tracking down scorpions isn’t for the faint of heart. With an expert pest control eye, professional tools, and local, central Florida know-how, Gato Guard will:
- Identify scorpion hotspots in and around your home.
- Treat problem areas like foundations, doors, and windows to block entry.
- Make sure you stay sting-free without lifting a finger.
Because the only thing worse than seeing one scorpion… is wondering how many more are hiding…
Bottom Line:
Florida scorpions may not be lethal, but they sure are NOT welcome with pets and children around. Keep your peace of mind, and your shoes scorpion-free with the pros at GATO GUARD!
Got a scorpion scare? Don’t just swat it — Call GATO GUARD! We’ll handle the sting.