Let's learn about scorpions: What to do if you get stung? (Scorpions)

Scorpions are one of the animals we don't like to see in our homes, and sometimes even inside our homes. Many people have a question about what will happen if this animal bites them, which causes fear and unpleasant feelings upon seeing it. Especially if you see such an animal in a house with small children, it can be very distressing. But don't be unnecessarily afraid. Today, we will talk about scorpions, what happens if they bite you, what to do at that time, and how to prevent these animals from coming into the house.

Who is this scorpion?

Simply put, a scorpion is an animal that is related to animals like spiders and ticks. Although there are thousands of species of scorpions around the world, most of the scorpions we see in Sri Lanka are not very dangerous. Each scorpion has two stingers in front, eight legs, and a long tail that curls above its body. The tip of this tail contains venom glands and a fang. They use this fang to sting. Scorpions mainly eat small animals like insects, spiders, and mites. The amazing thing is that some species of scorpions can live for up to two years without eating or drinking anything.

What kind of places do scorpions hang out in?

Scorpions are nocturnal animals. This means they hide during the day and come out at night to look for food. Their favorite places to hide are:

• Under the piles of stones
• In woodsheds, under logs
• Garbage heaps
• Places where leaf litter has accumulated

So why do these creatures come into homes? The main reason is the destruction of their natural habitat. Imagine, if a forest is cleared around your house and new houses are built, the scorpions that were there will have no place to live. Then they will come into our homes in search of safety, food, and water. Inside the house, they like to stay in damp, dark places . For example, they can hide in places like bathrooms, under sinks, storage rooms, attics, and small cracks in walls.

Is a scorpion sting really dangerous?

Although many people are afraid of them, only 30 species of scorpions are actually dangerous to humans out of the 1,500 species in the world. Most scorpion stings in Sri Lanka are not very serious. They usually cause pain similar to a bee sting, but are rarely life-threatening. However, there are a few things we need to be especially careful of here. Children under 6 years of age and the elderly are more likely to have serious reactions to scorpion stings. Also, some people can develop allergies to scorpion venom. Let's take a look at the symptoms of a scorpion sting.

What to do immediately if you get stung by a scorpion

If you or someone you know is stung by a scorpion, do not panic and follow these steps. 1. Stay calm: First of all, do not panic. When you are agitated and squirming, the blood circulation in your body increases and the venom can spread quickly throughout the body. So stay as still as possible. 2. Seek medical advice: Call your doctor immediately. Otherwise, there is a special center in our country that provides advice on such poisonings. That is the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . You can also call them for advice. 3. Wash the wound: Clean the bite area thoroughly with soap and water. 4. Remove jewelry: If you have been stung on your hand or foot, remove any rings or bracelets before swelling increases. 5. Apply ice: Place an ice pack directly on the wound. But do not keep it on for long. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes . Do this alternately. This will reduce pain and swelling. 6. Do not take medication without consulting a doctor: Never take sedative medications without consulting a doctor. Sometimes allergy medications like Benadryl can be helpful, but they should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor .

How do you keep scorpions away from your house?

The best thing to do is to prevent scorpions from coming into your home, rather than treating them. You can do this by doing these simple things.

• Seal gaps: Seal gaps around doors and windows, in walls, and where pipes pass through walls.
• Check the doors and windows: Seal the gaps under the doors. If the windows have screens, check for holes in them and repair them.
• Keep your home and yard clean: Keep your garage, attic, and storage areas tidy. Remove and clean any logs, rocks, old trash, and leaf litter in your yard. These are the main hiding places for scorpions.
• Mow the lawn: Always keep the grass around the house cut short.
• Insecticides : If scorpions are a nuisance, meaning they are frequently found in your home, you can use an insecticide specifically formulated for scorpions. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the product and keep it away from small children.
• Get professional help: If the scorpion problem is very serious, the best solution is to seek the help of a professional exterminator.

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