In recent weeks, the yellow scorpion has become a terror for the residents of Santo Amaro da Imperatriz in Greater Florianopolis. The appearance of the animal in the municipality has become more frequent, which worries the municipal health department.

The appearance of the animal in the houses alerted the municipality – Photo: PMF/Disclosure/ND

The Epidemiological Surveillance reported that the main reports were in domestic settings, that is, in houses and apartments, which prompted the agency to recommend some preventive measures for residents:

• Keep yards and gardens clean, avoiding accumulations of dry leaves and debris.
• Place household waste in plastic bags or closed containers. Avoid throwing garbage in vacant lots.
• Clear vacant lots located about two meters around the property.
• Eliminate food sources for cockroaches, spiders, crickets, and other invertebrates that scorpions feed on.
• Avoid creating conditions conducive to hiding scorpions, such as construction debris, bare surfaces, and damp areas.
• Periodically remove stored building materials and firewood to prevent excessive accumulation.
• Keep natural enemies of scorpions such as nocturnal birds (owls, owls), small monkeys, coatis, lizards, frogs and geese (note that chickens are not effective against scorpions).
• Avoid burning in wastelands, as they can dislodge scorpions.
• Remove foliage, shrubs, and creepers along exterior walls and walls.
• Keep septic tanks well sealed to prevent cockroaches from entering.

The Secretariat also adds that it is taking all necessary measures, conducting active searches and educational preventive measures, in order to reduce the number of incidents with this animal.

Biologist talks about yellow scorpion

Biologist Jackson Preis says the yellow scorpion, scientific name Titius jagged, very well adapted to urban conditions. “This is a very big problem,” he comments.

Another problem that Preis points out about the scorpion’s adaptation to the city is that it tends to live in the midst of rubble, with a buildup of organic matter.

The yellow scorpion loves to live in organic debris – Photo: Secom/Disclosure/ND

“Because it feeds on insects, depending on the time of year, it has a very large population growth. These scorpions have an average of 20 to 30 young in each reproductive period,” he explains.

Regarding the increase in the incidence of yellow scorpion, the biologist points out that the appearance is influenced by the increase in temperature and rainfall, as they need to seek shelter, “and in this movement these chance encounters often occur.”

According to the biologist, this species is one of the most dangerous in Brazil. Photo: Chapeco City Hall/Disclosure/ND

Jackson advises that if someone finds one at home, it’s important to be very careful when retrieving the animal.

“The orientation is to call the responsible agency, such as the fire department or even the military environmental police, to avoid any kind of accidents, because they can be very serious.”

He points out that among the species in Brazil, the yellow scorpion is the most dangerous, mainly because there are records of deaths caused by these animals.