Protecing Yourself form a Massive Scorpion Attack

Scorpions in Acapulco

The Spanish word for Scorpion is alacran. They come in various sizes and colours… Black, red, and pale beige. The beige ones (güero) are the worst. They sting and although rarely fatal (unless you have a heart problem, are very young or very old) it HURTS a lot and can induce fever, sweating, trembling and even coma. They can be anywhere but in truth you are unlikely to see one. In 5 years in Acapulco I have seen one in my house and it was promptly sent on to its next incarnation. The basic rule is that the more expensive your hotel/villa, the less likely you are to find one. However I accept that we are not all going to be staying in 5 star hotels and villas and for those of us who do not intend to spend a fortune on accommodation and prefer a friendly place in Pie de la Cuesta, there are a few rules to avoid unnecessary pain…

Avoidance Tactics:

·	Check clothing and shoes (especially shoes) before putting them on.
·	Be careful with firewood, rubbish, locks, inside, under and on top of furniture, corners, etc.
·	Separate beds from walls, so that they can't hide there.
·	Have a careful look at the ceiling. They are not very agile when they are upside down. You don't want to be under the one which didn't make the cut with Arturo's Scorpion Circus.
·	Check cribs, beds and sleeping bags when going to bed. Try to avoid sleeping on floor however drunk you might be.

And if you do get stung find a doctor as soon as you can.