What to do after a scorpion sting in Utah

Published September 24, 2026 by Purple Crown Pest Control, a family-owned pest and weed control company in St. George, Utah.

First steps

1. Stay calm and move away from the scorpion so no one is stung again.
2. Wash the area with soap and water.
3. Apply a cool, damp cloth to the sting for short periods to ease pain. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
4. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to the person stung.
5. If you can do it safely, note what the scorpion looked like or take a photo. Do not handle it.

What most stings feel like

Utah State University Extension says most scorpion stings cause local effects such as pain, numbness or swelling, and symptoms usually fade within about 30 minutes. Utah wildlife sources say one species, the Arizona bark scorpion, is potentially harmful, and reactions can vary a lot from person to person.

Get urgent help if you see

• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Muscle twitching or unusual head, neck or eye movements
• Symptoms that spread well beyond the sting
• Any strong reaction in a small child, an older adult, or someone with health conditions

Do not

• Do not cut the sting or try to suck out venom.
• Do not wait to call if a child is stung.
• Do not handle the scorpion with bare hands.

Prevent the next one

Check shoes and towels before use, and keep beds away from walls where you can. Read how to keep scorpions out of your house, or learn about our scorpion control.