Scorpions in Georgia — A Jesup Family’s Close‑Up Look

When we moved into our home in Jesup back in 2017, we expected the usual surprises that come with a house that had been sitting vacant for a year — dust, a few spiders, maybe a mouse or two. What we didn’t expect was the number of dead scorpions tucked into places you don’t normally look: inside such as electrical outlets, in light fixtures, under appliances, and hiding in the dark corners of cabinets. It was a crash course in just how common these little arachnids really are in Southeast Georgia.

And over the years, we’ve learned firsthand that scorpions aren’t just something you read about online. They’re part of daily life around here. We find them in the yard, in the gardens, under flowerpots, and occasionally inside the house. We’ve had to teach our children to keep an eye out, especially when playing outside or grabbing shoes off the porch.

One summer, our youngest grandson slipped his foot into a watershoe by the pool — not knowing a scorpion had crawled inside. The sting on his toe was a painful reminder that even in a well‑kept yard, scorpions can show up where you least expect them. Thankfully, he recovered quickly, but it drove home the importance of awareness and prevention.

With that personal backdrop, let’s take a closer look at the scorpions that call Georgia home, how to keep them out of yours, and what to do if someone gets stung.

🦂 The Scorpions of Georgia

Georgia has two native species you’re most likely to encounter:

Southern Devil Scorpion (Vaejovis carolinianus)

Small, dark, and shy — this is the one most often found around homes, especially in damp or shaded areas.

Striped Bark Scorpion (Centruroides vittatus)

Lighter in color with two dark stripes, a bit more active, and more likely to climb or end up in attics and wall voids.

Both species can and do wander into homes, especially if the house has been vacant, undergoing renovation, or experiencing moisture issues.

🕳️ Why They Show Up in Homes Like Ours

Scorpions are moisture‑seekers and insect‑hunters. A vacant home — especially in humid South Georgia — becomes a perfect hideout:

• No foot traffic

• Plenty of dark corners

• Insects moving in

• Moisture pockets in plumbing areas

• Gaps around doors, outlets, and fixtures

Electrical boxes, light fixtures, and under‑appliance spaces stay cool and undisturbed, making them ideal hiding spots.

🏡 Keeping Scorpions Out of Your Home

Over the years, we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. These steps make a real difference:

Seal the Gaps

• Caulk around windows and doors

• Install door sweeps

• Seal cracks in siding and foundations

• Foam around plumbing penetrations

• Replace torn screens

Reduce Outdoor Habitat

• Keep firewood off the ground

• Move debris piles away from the house

• Trim vegetation back from the foundation

• Avoid heavy mulch right against the home

Control Moisture

• Fix leaks promptly

• Improve crawlspace ventilation

• Use dehumidifiers where needed

Reduce Their Food Source

Scorpions follow insects. If you control roaches, crickets, and spiders, you naturally reduce scorpion activity.

😳 What to Do When You Find One

Indoors

• Don’t swat it with your hand

• Trap it under a glass and slide cardboard underneath

• Or vacuum it with a hose attachment

Outdoors

• Give it space

• Wear gloves when gardening or moving items

• Shake out shoes, gloves, and pool toys before use

That last one is a lesson our family learned the hard way.

🩹 First Aid for Scorpion Stings

Most Georgia scorpion stings are similar to a wasp sting — painful, but not medically dangerous for most people.

Basic First Aid

• Wash the area with soap and water

• Apply a cool compress

• Use over‑the‑counter pain relievers if needed

• Keep the area clean and watch for swelling

When to Seek Medical Care

• Severe or worsening pain

• Signs of infection

• Stings involving young children or older adults

• Any unusual symptoms like muscle twitching or difficulty swallowing

⚠️ Understanding Anaphylactic Reactions

While rare, any sting — including a scorpion sting — can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some individuals.

Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Trouble breathing

• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat

• Hives or widespread rash

• Dizziness or fainting

• Rapid heartbeat

• Nausea or vomiting

General Guidance

• Call emergency services immediately

• If the person has an epinephrine auto‑injector, they should use it as directed

• Keep them calm and seated until help arrives

🌾 Final Thoughts from a Jesup Homeowner

Living in South Georgia means sharing space with all sorts of critters, scorpions included. They’re not out to get us, but they will take advantage of dark corners, moisture, and clutter if we give them the opportunity. With a little awareness, some smart home maintenance, and a healthy respect for where they like to hide, you can keep your home safe and your family prepared.