29.08.2026 13:01
A warning has been issued regarding scorpions, which have begun to be frequently seen in Istanbul, especially in the Üsküdar and Kağıthane districts. While it is recommended to apply to a healthcare facility without panicking in case of scorpion stings, experts emphasize that scorpions are beneficial animals that feed on insects and state that they should not be killed.
The recent sightings of scorpions around homes and buildings in Istanbul have caused concern, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın stated that scorpions may approach living areas, especially in hot and humid weather. It is noted that scorpions are frequently seen particularly in the Üsküdar and Kağıthane districts.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology at Yeditepe University, said that in metropolises, scorpions can be found not only in rural areas but also in grassy areas, construction debris, and areas with bushes and brushwood. Prof. Dr. Aydın stated, "If there are many rural areas in metropolises, scorpions can be abundant in places where there are grassy areas, construction debris, or piles of brushwood where they can live. Because they are also a part of nature. Even if we haven't seen them commonly until now, they can also be seen in metropolises."
"THEY LOVE HUMID ENVIRONMENTS"
Stating that scorpions love humid environments, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "Istanbul is currently very humid. Perhaps due to this humidity, they may have reached the point of entering homes."
"NEARLY 70 SPECIES CAN CAUSE SERIOUS POISONING"
Stating that there are thousands of scorpion species in the world, Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that approximately 70 of them can cause serious poisoning in humans. Stating that there are also poisonous scorpion species in Turkey, Prof. Dr. Aydın explained, "These species exist in our country, especially in the Southeastern Anatolia Region or in humid areas. At least a few species are seriously poisonous, and the ones we encounter are usually poisonous scorpions."
"PAY ATTENTION TO SYMPTOMS IN SCORPION STINGS"
Stating that one should not panic in case of scorpion stings, Prof. Dr. Aydın said that the size of the scorpion and the amount of venom entering the body are important in the severity of poisoning. Aydın said, "One should not panic too much. Because the amount of venom injected into a person will vary depending on the size of the scorpion. If it is a small scorpion, the amount of venom will be less, and in this case, there are usually no major symptoms of poisoning."
Explaining that local symptoms such as pain, redness, and swelling are mostly seen at the sting site in scorpion stings, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "If our citizens encounter such scorpion poisoning, they should go to a health institution as much as possible. Systemic symptoms we call respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, and palpitations are less common. However, the size of the stinging scorpion, the number of stinging scorpions, and the amount of venom entering the body are very important. When these are low, it passes with local effects. In higher poisonings, systemic symptoms such as rapid breathing and palpitations may occur."
"ANTIVENOM TREATMENT CAN BE APPLIED IN SERIOUS CASES"
Stating that antivenom treatment can be applied in health institutions for serious scorpion poisonings, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "When they go to the emergency room, if it is a serious poisoning, scorpion antidotes under the name of scorpion serum are available in our emergency services. If poisonings become very numerous and severe, our clinicians and emergency medicine specialists can decide and apply the antidote treatment we call antivenom. However, in most scorpion poisonings, the patient can recover on their own in a short time even without applying the antidote."
"IF YOU SEE A SCORPION, CHECK ITS SURROUNDINGS"
Stating that if a scorpion is seen in a place, there may be other scorpions around, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Aydın said, "If a scorpion has been seen in a place, there may be other scorpions around it. As far as we know, a mother scorpion can give birth to nearly 60 young scorpions. They should not say 'We saw one and it went away.' They should check the surroundings of the scorpion they saw to see if there are other scorpions."
RECOMMENDATION OF SCREEN FOR WINDOWS
Also touching on the precautions that can be taken at home, Prof. Dr. Aydın recommended using screens on windows. Aydın said, "Especially if they cover their homes and windows with fine mesh that does not let flies through, there will be no problem even if the window is open. Because at least they will prevent scorpions from entering the house."
"DO NOT KEEP PILES OF BRUSHWOOD"
Stating that those living in houses with gardens and detached houses should not create areas where scorpions can shelter, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "They should not keep piles of brushwood in their gardens or around them. Because it is a perfectly ideal living environment for them."
Emphasizing that scorpions do not intend to attack humans, Prof. Dr. Aydın said, "Scorpions have no intention of attacking humans. They are also living their own lives. We don't expect anything as long as they are not stepped on, squeezed, or played with in some way."
"ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SHOES BEFORE WEARING THEM"
Warning citizens who are in picnic and rural areas during the summer months, Prof. Dr. Aydın said that shoes and clothes should be checked before use. Aydın said, "They should definitely check their shoes that they took off in the countryside or left outside the house before wearing them. They should definitely check their clothes. The inside of a shoe is a serious source of moisture. Due to the closed environment, when you put your foot in, scorpions or other insects inside can cause unwanted stings."
"THERE IS NO NEED TO PANIC"
In the news on NTV, Entomologist Wildlife Expert Prof. Dr. Zeynel Arslan Gündoğdu, who stated that there is no reason for concern, said that there are a few species of scorpions in Istanbul. Pointing out that scorpions are generally not very large, Gündoğdu said, "There is no need to panic. After all, it is no different from an insect bite."
"DO NOT KILL THEM"
Also pointing out that scorpions should not be killed, Gündoğdu said, "Because they are beneficial animals. They feed on insects, so it should be considered that every living thing has a benefit."