Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın: If You See a Scorpion, Check the Surrounding Area—Others May Be Nearby

Recent sightings of scorpions in and around homes and buildings in Istanbul have caused concern. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın said scorpions may venture into residential areas, particularly during hot and humid weather. Emphasizing that scorpions do not seek to attack humans, Prof. Dr. Aydın said: “If a scorpion has been seen somewhere, there may be others nearby. People should check the surrounding area. Anyone stung by a scorpion, particularly a large one, should seek medical attention without delay.”

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at Yeditepe University Faculty of Pharmacy, said scorpions in metropolitan areas may be found in rural pockets, grassy areas, demolition sites and places where brushwood has accumulated. “Scorpions may be abundant in metropolitan areas that contain large rural sections, grassy land, demolition debris or piles of brushwood where they can live. They are part of nature, after all. Although they have not been commonly seen in cities until now, they can also be found in metropolitan areas,” he said.

“They Prefer Humid Environments”

Noting that scorpions prefer humid environments, Prof. Dr. Aydın said: “Istanbul is currently experiencing very humid conditions. The humidity may be causing them to venture into homes.”

“Around 70 Species Can Cause Severe Envenomation”

Prof. Dr. Aydın said there are thousands of scorpion species worldwide, around 70 of which are capable of causing severe envenomation in humans. He added that venomous scorpion species are also found in Türkiye.

“These species are present in Türkiye, particularly in the Southeastern Anatolia Region and other humid areas. At least several species are highly venomous, and the scorpions people tend to encounter are generally venomous,” he said.

“Watch for Symptoms Following a Scorpion Sting”

Prof. Dr. Aydın advised people to remain calm following a scorpion sting, explaining that the severity of envenomation depends on the scorpion’s size and the amount of venom injected.

“There is no need to panic. The amount of venom injected varies according to the scorpion’s size. A smaller scorpion will inject less venom, and the sting will generally not cause severe symptoms,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Aydın explained that scorpion stings most commonly cause local symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling at the site of the sting.

“Anyone who experiences a scorpion sting should seek medical attention whenever possible. Systemic effects such as respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest and heart palpitations are less common. However, the size of the scorpion, the number of scorpions involved and the amount of venom that enters the body are all highly important. When the amount of venom is low, the effects generally remain localized. More severe envenomation may cause systemic symptoms such as rapid breathing and heart palpitations,” he said.

“Antivenom May Be Administered in Severe Cases”

Prof. Dr. Aydın said antivenom may be administered at healthcare facilities in severe cases of scorpion envenomation.

“If a patient arrives at an emergency department with severe envenomation, scorpion antivenom—commonly known as scorpion serum—is available. When the envenomation is extensive and severe, clinicians and emergency medicine specialists may decide to administer antivenom. Most patients with scorpion envenomation, however, can recover spontaneously within a short period without antivenom treatment,” he said.

“If You See a Scorpion, Check the Surrounding Area”

Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın warned that other scorpions may be present wherever one has been found.

“If a scorpion has been seen somewhere, there may be others nearby. As far as we know, a female scorpion can give birth to around 60 young. People should not assume that the problem is over simply because they saw one scorpion and it moved away. They should inspect the surrounding area to determine whether any others are present,” he said.

Insect Screens Recommended for Windows

Addressing precautions that can be taken at home, Prof. Dr. Aydın recommended installing insect screens on windows.

“If people fit their windows with fine-mesh screens that keep insects out, they should not experience a problem even when the windows are open. This will at least prevent scorpions from entering the home,” he said.

“Do Not Leave Piles of Brushwood Around Your Home”

Prof. Dr. Aydın advised people living in detached houses or homes with gardens not to create places where scorpions could shelter.

“They should not leave piles of brushwood in their gardens or around their homes, as these provide an ideal habitat for scorpions,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Aydın also emphasized that scorpions do not seek to attack humans.

“Scorpions have no intention of attacking people; they are simply going about their lives. We would not normally expect an incident unless a scorpion is stepped on, trapped or handled in some way,” he said.

“Always Check Your Shoes Before Putting Them On”

Prof. Dr. Aydın also warned people spending time at picnic sites and in rural areas during the summer to inspect their shoes and clothing before use.

“They should always check any shoes they have removed in the countryside or left outside before putting them back on. They should also inspect their clothing. The inside of a shoe can be very humid. Because it is an enclosed space, a scorpion or another insect hiding inside may cause an unwanted sting when someone puts their foot into it,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Aydın said a large number of scorpion sting cases is not expected in Istanbul, adding that such incidents are more likely to occur in rural areas and the Southeastern Anatolia Region.