Resources

What Does Scorpion Venom Do To The Human Body?

May 31, 2025

scorpion sting on skin

If you've ever worried about a scorpion sting, you're not alone—especially in the U.S. Southwest, where encounters with venomous species like the Arizona bark scorpion aren't rare. But what exactly does scorpion venom do once it enters your body?

The Basics of Scorpion Venom

Scorpion venom is a complex mix of neurotoxins, enzymes, and other compounds designed to paralyze or kill small prey. When injected into humans, the venom interacts with the nervous system, often causing intense pain and a variety of systemic symptoms.

Most stings in the U.S. come from species whose venom causes only localized pain and swelling. However, a sting from the Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) can be much more serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Common Symptoms After a Sting

For most healthy adults, a scorpion sting will cause:

These symptoms usually peak within a few hours and resolve on their own.

More Serious Reactions

In more vulnerable individuals, or in cases of a large venom dose, symptoms can progress to:

According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, about 200 people are stung by bark scorpions each year in Arizona alone. While fatalities are extremely rare in the U.S. thanks to access to medical care and antivenom, the experience can still be traumatic.

When to Seek Medical Help

Always seek emergency medical attention if:

Even for milder stings, it’s a good idea to call your local poison control center for guidance.

How to Reduce Your Risk

The best way to avoid a scorpion sting is to prevent scorpions from getting inside your home in the first place. That includes sealing cracks, keeping outdoor areas clean, and using tools like our Scorpion Detectors, which can catch scorpions as they move along baseboards in the dark.

If you do receive an alert from your Detector, grab a UV flashlight and track the scorpion down before it disappears. The faster you find it, the less chance it has to sting someone.

Scorpion venom may be nature's weapon, but with knowledge and preparation, it doesn't have to be a threat. Knowing how your body might react—and what to do about it—is the first step in staying safe.

Hear What Our Customers Are Saying About Using Scorpion Alert

quote icon

It works exactly as I hoped it would. Please make something similar for snakes.

Las Cruces, New Mexico

quote icon

Our 1 year old got stung in a room we never would have expected to find a scorpion. We ordered 5 scorpion detectors the next day.

El Paso, Texas

quote icon

Super easy setup. We just plugged the Scorpion Detectors in, set them up with my phone, and that was it. I love the live feed on my phone to let me know they're always watching.

Lakeway, Texas

Let's Get Your Family Protected

A few well-placed Scorpion Detectors can help you spot them early, avoid surprises, and stop an infestation before it starts.

Account
Subscription
Detectors
Checkout

Create Your Account

No need to remember another user name or password. Use your secure Google or Apple account to sign up.

Subscribe

No matter how many Scorpion Detectors you use, your monitoring subscription is one simple, flat fee. Choose the subscription that fits you best.

$5 per month

Cancel or upgrade to our annual plan any time.

Select monthly plan

$50 per year

Get 2 months free per year when you subscribe to our annual plan.

Select annual plan

Get Scorpion Detectors

Get as many as you need. It won't change your subscription price.

$50 each

Get up to three. If you need more, get one free with a 5-pack.

$200 for a 5-pack

Get a free Scorpion Detector when you buy four.

Order 1 Detector

One Moment Please...

Related Articles

a pair of scorpions

Are Scorpions Social or Solitary?

Wondering if scorpions hang out in groups or prefer to be alone? Learn about scorpion social behavior and what it means for your home.

->
Scorpion Detector and sticky trap side by side

Scorpion Detectors vs Glue Traps: What Works Best?

Comparing glue traps and Scorpion Detectors—find out which method gives you better protection and peace of mind.

->
a pug's face

What To Do If Your Dog Was Stung By A Scorpion

Learn to recognize the signs of a scorpion sting in your dog, what to do next, and how to prevent future encounters.

->

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest scorpion species?

The giant forest scorpion (Heterometrus swammerdami) from India can reach up to 9 inches (23 cm) in length, making it the world's largest.

What are scorpions?

Scorpions are predatory arachnids (related to spiders and ticks) with eight legs, a pair of grasping pincers, and a segmented tail ending in a venomous stinger. They belong to the order Scorpiones and have existed for over 400 million years.

Are scorpions in Arizona and Texas dangerous?

Most scorpions aren’t deadly, but the Arizona bark scorpion, which is found in multiple states across the Southwest, can cause intense pain, numbness, and even breathing difficulties—especially for children and pets. Read more about the dangers associated with scorpions: