scorpions

[KKOB]

Well, I've been stung 3 times by scorpions whilst living out here. The first time I was hospitalised and the other 2 times it wasn't quite so bad. On the first occasion I went to the Esnaf clinic in Hisaronu, they give me a tetanus and adrenaline jab and phoned the Esnaf in town to tell them I was on the way. On arrival at the Esnaf Hospital I was met by a Doctor and 4 nurses who took me straight in to the Emergency Room where I was given an anti-venom shot, more adrenaline and was put on a drip. It was at this point that I went into shock and passed-out for a few minutes. Once I'd stabilised I was taken to a ward and was put on 15 minute obs and also had a couple of visits from the doctor. After 4 hours I felt much better and was released from the hospital after paying my bill of 80 YTL.

I was told later by our village doctor that whilst scorpion stings are excruciatingly painful, it's unlikely to kill you unless you are a child, infirm or have a heart condition. In all honesty I think that going into shock was probably caused by shear terror of the unknown, rather than the effect of the venom. Even now, 4 years later, I sometimes get a tingling sensation around the area of the sting and have been told that it's due to nerve damage.

In each case the pain lasted for about 18 hours.

Scorpions are not particularly common but I suppose over the 5 and half years we've been out here I've seen 30 ish. But you have to bear in mind that we live in the countryside and to see a scorpion in a developed area is far less likely I should think.

[peecee]

My neighbour (Mehmet) was stung (one had got into his shirt and stung him when he was putting it on in the morning)  He said they were mostly found in the trees (?) but one of their favourite hiding places was in stone walls (which we all have!)  Our little clinic in Uzumlu has the antivenom in stock, I believe, so I would imagine most of the big hospitals would have it too.  Apparently you have about 2 hours to get treatment but that would depend on your health and fitness.
Also, the stings are very nasty for dogs etc.
One other thing, if you see them in your swimming pool at the bottom do not assume it's dead!

[milliemars]

We have been in Ovacik since 2008,and have seen 3 of the type around our villa  and another couple of Black ones with much larger pincers.We are led to believe that the smaller the pincer the more venimous ther are.We have also been told there is a powder that can be put down to help deter them,still trying to find out what this is.

[KKOB]

Just be aware that the powder you put down to stop them coming in also stops those that are already in from getting out.  

[peecee]

If you can get hold of it there is a liquid called 'katran' (spelt incorrectly no doubt!) which, apparently is good for deterring scorpions, snakes etc.  Stinks like anything, put at 12/18" intervals around the outside of the property and should last for around 2/3 months per application.
I only had one viper in my garden last year (3 the previous year) and, I'm pretty sure, my beautiful little kedi brought it in the play with.
Would recommend it but difficult to get hold off.  Ask your Turkish neighbours

[tiddly winks]

That explains what was near the pool at the apartment last summer. My sister and I totally freaked out and killed it with a shoe. Very tiny scorpion, but nonetheless I was a drama queen about it.

Scorpions will only sting if they feel threatened right?

[pookie]

we have seen scorpions on numerous occasions around our pool - they like the stone wall as a hiding place.  We soon realised not to walk around the pool without flip flops !  they seem to like the early evenings the most....

[stuart]

get some chickens...they love scorpions

[puma]

we had two in the house,one was already dead and one was in the cupboard running around,like my mate,who was screaming fit to burst.i sprayed it with cockie spray and did not see it again.also
found a drowned one in the pool

[starman™]

I have come across dozens of scorpions too over my time here. Most were found inside my last apartment and 3 in my bedroom. They were a smaller type though and a very dark brown colour. I just stuck a jam jar over them then showed them to the landlady who then got the exterminators around. These ones are not deadly though and are about the same as a wasp sting. Still they are bloody ugly and the last thing you need to see when you get up for your morning coffee.