Found A Small Scorpion in Gauteng

by Jonathan Leeming

There is a small reddish-brown scorpion that is often found in houses in Gauteng (and Bloemfontein, Kuruman, Bethulie, Swellendam, Stellenbosch and other major centres). This scorpion is called Pseudolychas ochraceus.

During the warmer times of the year these scorpions become mobile in the environment and often enter houses where they end up trapped in bathtubs, sinks and showers. They have also been found under face cloths, dish cloths and in laundries, places that offer increased moisture. This is an unusual scorpion because they are one of the few species that thrive in the urban environment.

Their natural habitat is riverine valleys and areas of dense vegetation. They prefer damp, moist areas and often shelters under rocks, rotting logs and under leaf litter.

It’s not uncommon to find a few individuals in a house over a period of just a few months. It’s a very docile scorpion and stings are rather rare. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a highly venomous scorpion. Stings are similar to a bee sting.

Because of it’s small size, up to about 28mm in length, many people think that they have a baby scorpion in their house. If there is one baby scorpion, there must be more. If there are more scorpions, there must be a nest and a mother and father. This of course is not true, as it’s mostly adult scorpions that enter houses.

If you find one of these scorpions in your house, please scoop it up into a jar and release it in the late afternoon in a densely vegetated area or your local nature reserve.

If you find one of these scorpions in your house, please scoop it up into a jar and release it in the late afternoon in a densely vegetated area preferably in a conservation area or your local nature reserve.

Facts About This Scorpion

  • These scorpions are not medically important and by no means a danger to adults, children, infants or pets.
  • They are reluctant to sting.
  • A sting from this species results in class 1 or 2 symptoms.
  • Being allergic to bee venom does not make you allergic to scorpion venom.
  • These scorpions live in moist habitats, under rocks, plant pots and in leaf litter.
  • One of the few scorpions scorpion that can live within the urban environment. This scorpion has been found in industrialised areas and 5th floor flats.
  • There is no way to stop scorpions from entering your house, or rid your garden of them.
  • If you find one in your house, scoop it up and let it go somewhere where there is vegetation.
  • If any pest control company tells you they can spray for scorpions in and around your house then they are just taking advantage of you. There is no chemical or method of deterrent. 
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