Scorpion Sightings

It was reported that there have been a couple of scorpion sightings in the community. Scorpions are nocturnal and come out at night to prey on insects. Orange County Vector Control states the following with respect to potential health risks:

The venom from a sting of our local species is relatively mild and causes sharp but localized pain lasting from a few minutes to several hours, fever, itching, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. These typically last no more than 24 hours. Only one species is considered a serious health hazard, the Arizona bark scorpion. A native of Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico, it sometimes hitchhikes to Orange County in recreational boats, vehicles, and camping gear.

During a 10-month period in the Southwest, physicians reported 1,573 cases of scorpion stings. The last reported death in Arizona, where scorpions are common, was in 1948.

Therefore, unless a person has an allergic reaction, a sting from a scorpion that is native to Orange County is no more serious than stings of ants, bees, or wasps. Please be aware of your surroundings when you are out at night and take the necessary precautions.