Scorpions in Tuscany
 

We are renting a house in the Cortona region in March, for nine nights.
I received some information from today about the property.

“Non poisonous scorpions are a part of life in Italy and you may see some while your are there. We usually see them at night in the kitchen area and they are very easy to see as the walls are white and the scorpions are black. You can kill them or sweep them outside. They are NOT poisonous! We have never been bitten by one but if it were to happen it would be like a bee sting.”

Ok, I’m a bit freaked out with this! I did a little research, one article says they enjoy getting to beds.
I seriously don’t know whether to cancel, or not. Obviously I want to enjoy myself, I don’t to worry about sharing a glass of wine with a scorpion.
Does anyone have any experience with this?

Yes my aunt. We miss her so much.

Thank you cold! I can always count on you.

Bgrand if it makes you feel any better I wouldn’t like that at all.

We had experience with scorpions in Piedmont, and they aren't scary. Most are able to be killed with a shoe. We checked our beds before getting in, but mostly only saw them on the floor or the wall. And under some pots outside. Our hostess explained the pain is no worse than a bee sting, and that they are not poisonous. You should be A-ok! Italy is worth a few scorpions :)

Buy some lavender sprigs and sprinkle them around the rooms, and put lavender buds in beds as well. Scorpions don't like lavender very much, and it will make the sheets smell good.

We were alerted to scorpions when staying in the countryside in Umbria last Fall. Didn't see nary a one.
However, what really had me worried were the wild boars. Tuscany has them as well.

First of all scorpions aren't old enough to drink. You shouldn't give them a glass of wine.

They're harmless. Just show them the door. Broom works fine. In bed? maybe if it's cold out and they seek out the warmth but it's not like they camp out. You'll see them sunning outside. Just think of them like beach bunnies. Always trying to get some rays.

Always be sure to shake out your shoes before putting them on.

I wish I knew when I was in Tuscany that they were not poisonous! I found one in the beautiful deep copper tub in our AirbandB and it freaked me out.

This is how you have a drink with a scorpion -

Thanks everyone for the replies..
It has helped me make a decision.
I will take some lavender, check my bed, clothes and shoes!

Scorpios live in mountainous regions of Arizona like where I liveTucson and most of the state. Part of daily life here. I step on them or flush down the toilet. I only see one or two a year and only know one person who was bitten by one..Like most critters in Arizona, they are mostly nocturnal. The ones found here are Bark Scorpions and exterminators can’t keep them away but use sticky pads by doorways to stop them. Relax and enjoy Tuscany. In five stays there, I never saw one scorpion.

There was a big scorpion in my room in a hotel in Abruzzo one morning a couple years ago. Freaked me out.

After 25 years with scorpions in Arizona, I thought those days were over when I moved back to Northern California, had grown up here and never seen one. Surprise!! In my shower, several times now. You may have been a number of places where they live, bgrand, and just never known it. I was only stung once, yes, in my bed and it was significantly more painful than a bee sting. But Tuscany scorpions are surely another variety and bee sting sounds not too bad (if true). They should probably just not mention them at all.

I see us relaxing the fire in the evening, enjoying a nice bottle of wine.
I don’t want to worry about scorpions joining us!

nochblad....thanks for the video! ����

bgrand - I have been a frequent visitor to Tuscany for almost 40 years and have never had a bad experience with scorpions. Whatever you find will be very small in comparison with what you can find in Arizona, New Mexico etc.

They say that the sting is more powerful at the beginning of the season with those scorpions which have hibernated but fortunately I have avoided this "pleasure".

Regarding the reference to lavender there are a couple of scenes in the film "A Good Year" starring Russel Crowe and Marion Cotillard. Could not find a clip to share but lavender is as prevalent in Tuscany as in Provence. However, many holiday locations have reduced lavender as it attracts a lot of bees during the flowering season which freaks out a lot of visitors.