What To Do If You Are Stung By A Scorpion

May 31, 2025

Getting stung by a scorpion can be a scary experience—especially if you’re not sure how serious it is. While most stings are not life-threatening, some can cause severe symptoms that require medical attention. Knowing what to do in the moments after a sting can make all the difference.

Here’s what you should do if you’re stung by a scorpion:

1. Stay Calm and Get to a Safe Place

Move away from the scorpion so you don’t get stung again. Try to stay calm—stress and increased heart rate can help the venom spread faster through your body.

2. Wash the Sting Site

Use soap and water to gently clean the area. This helps prevent infection and clears away any venom residue on the skin.

3. Apply a Cold Compress

Use a cold pack or a cloth with ice wrapped inside to reduce swelling and pain. Apply it for 10 minutes at a time, with breaks in between.

4. Monitor Symptoms

Most stings cause localized symptoms like:

Pain or burning
Swelling or redness
Tingling or numbness

In some cases—especially from the Arizona bark scorpion—you may experience more serious symptoms:

Muscle twitching
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting or nausea
Slurred speech
Restlessness or agitation

5. Seek Medical Attention If Needed

Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for guidance if you're unsure.

Go to the ER or call 911 if:

A child or elderly person is stung
The sting was near the face, neck, or spine
Symptoms worsen or spread beyond the sting site
You have difficulty breathing, severe pain, or allergic reactions

Optional: Try to Identify the Scorpion

If you can safely take a photo without risking another sting, do it. This can help doctors know whether antivenom is needed—especially in Arizona or southern Nevada.

What Not to Do

Don’t cut or suck the wound
Don’t use alcohol or bleach on the sting site
Don’t take pain meds unless directed by a doctor

Preventing Future Stings

Shake out shoes, towels, and bedding
Seal gaps and entry points around your home
Use Scorpion Detectors to catch them before they catch you
Sweep rooms with a blacklight flashlight at night

Most scorpion stings are painful but not dangerous. By staying calm, treating the sting promptly, and knowing when to get help, you can recover quickly—and take steps to avoid another close encounter.

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Do scorpions avoid UV light?

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Not much is known about why scorpions glow under UV light, but some theories suggest that although they can't see it, they can 'feel' it when it's bright. Our Scorpion Detectors emit just enough UV light to illuminate them, but not enough to make them avoid it.

What should I do if I'm stung by a scorpion?

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Clean the area with soap and water, apply a cold compress, and elevate the limb. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen (e.g., difficulty breathing, muscle spasms), especially for children or the elderly. Antivenom may be needed for severe cases.

Are scorpions aggressive towards humans?

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No, scorpions are not aggressive; they sting only in self-defense when threatened or accidentally disturbed. They prefer to flee or hide rather than attack.