Scorpion venom: a death threat or a source of healing?

In childhood, warnings like “Don’t say the name of the scorpion, or it will appear” were often heard. But does this insect really have the property of appearing when its name is mentioned? Although it is hard to believe, there are people who risk their lives by raising, feeding, and even pampering scorpions with sweet words.

Gulbahor Samadova, a zookeeper working in the “Invertebrates” section of the Tashkent Zoo since 2017, provided information about insects that are commonly referred to as “nameless” in folk language.

— The common Caucasian scorpion, which can grow up to 10 cm, can be found under stones and in damp places. It can also appear in old houses and gardens. Its venom affects people differently, depending on their immunity and health. The venom has a quicker effect on young children. In adults, pain is felt at the site of the sting, and it is necessary to take pain relief medication or get an injection immediately. If a person has underlying health conditions, scorpion venom can be even more dangerous and may lead to death.

Scorpion venom affects adults and children differently. For an adult, a scorpion sting may result in severe pain, swelling, and slight weakness. However, the danger is much more serious for children! Their bodies are smaller and weaker, so the venom spreads throughout the body more quickly. As a result, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and even loss of consciousness can occur. In some cases, a scorpion sting can be fatal for children. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately after a sting.

— When a scorpion stings, to prevent the venom from spreading at home, first of all, the injured area should be tied with a medical bandage. It is necessary to squeeze out the venom as much as possible. Many people think that mud should be applied when stung by a scorpion. No, that is not possible. The reason is that the soil contains tiny worms, ants, and microbes. It is also not permissible to heat the injured area. You should apply the scorpion's own oil. If you have caught the scorpion, you can put plant oil in a jar and use that oil as an ointment, says the zookeeper.

^{Photo: “Daryo”}
Scorpions generally prefer warm and dark places. They can hide in abandoned areas, basements, and even in the cracks of your home. If a scorpion enters your house, it is not by chance — it means there is a suitable environment for them. What should be done to prevent scorpions from entering the house? Sealing cracks, spraying special substances around the house, and maintaining hygiene are the most important measures.

— To prevent scorpions from multiplying, it is possible to raise cockroaches at home. Cockroaches, ants, and other insects also feed on scorpions. It is important to pay more attention to cleanliness in the yard and to prevent small insects from being present on trees. The tree trunk should be regularly treated with lime. For example, the more ants there are, the more scorpions will come to eat them.

Scorpions give birth to live young. Their babies are white and feed on a special fluid from their mother’s back. After a day or two, the babies are transferred to another aquarium, as the mother may eat them. Personally, I feed the scorpions with tweezers during the feeding process. They feed on small insects and ants. I can only hold them in my hand if I wear gloves, says Gulbahor Samadova.

^{Photo: “Daryo”}
The venom of the scorpion, one of nature's most dangerous creatures, is not only a potent toxin but also a priceless resource for medicine. Scorpion venom, considered one of the most expensive liquids in the world, is used to treat cancer and neurological diseases. However, collecting it is very difficult. Thousands of scorpions must release venom to obtain just one gram. This is why its price can reach millions of dollars. According to reports, a special farm for breeding scorpions operates in the Fergana region.

— When you see a scorpion, you should immediately catch it and put it in a jar or a similar container. If it is brought to the zoo, we will keep it. It cannot be killed due to its declining population, but there are animals that prey on them. Cockroaches or ants can eat scorpions.

Scorpions can cling to clothes or objects, and their presence or movement may go unnoticed. However, there have been no instances where I have been stung or injured. Currently, there are few scorpions in the section, and once new specimens are brought in, we will breed them. In winter, scorpions become less active, and conditions are created for them in their special aquarium. They can live up to 11 years. The scorpion in the zoo has been living for five years, says the specialist.