Tityus stigmurus (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones; Buthidae): response to chemical control and understanding of scorpionism among the population

Abstract

In this study, the events following application of the insecticide Demand 2.5 concentrated solution (CS) in the field, to control Tityus stigmurus, were investigated. Data on attitudes and practices relating to scorpionism were collected using a questionnaire. During the months of May to July 2005, 69 premises were monitored on different days following insecticide treatment, focusing on scorpion frequency and mortality. According to the results, 42% of the premises showed scorpion incidence, with an average of three specimens per house. The highest incidence was recorded during the first week following the treatment. Only 7% of the specimens were found dead. Most (72%) of the population showed knowledge about prevention and control measures. Despite this, 100% of the premises presented breeding sites, mainly in debris (79.7%). These results indicate that the scorpion control method used by health agents during this investigation was not efficient, and the results suggest that the method may have had a dispersive effect on these animals. Key-words:Community. Scorpion. Pyrethroid. Public health. RESUMONeste trabalho investigou-se os eventos ocorridos após a aplicação do inseticida Demand 2,5 solução concentrada (CS) em campo para controle de Tytius stigmurus. Dados sobre atitudes e práticas relacionados ao escorpionismo foram coletados usando um questionário. Durante os meses de maio a julho/2005, 69 imóveis foram monitorados em diferentes dias após o tratamento com inseticida, focando a freqüência e mortalidade de escorpiões. Segundo os resultados, 42% dos imóveis apresentaram incidência escorpiônica com uma média de três indivíduos/casa. O maior índice de incidência foi registrado na primeira semana após o tratamento. Apenas 7% dos espécimes foram encontrados mortos. A maioria (72%) da população demonstrou conhecer as medidas de prevenção e controle. Apesar disso, 100% das residências apresentaram criadouros, principalmente entulhos (79,7%). Esses resultados indicam que o método para controle escorpiônico usado pelos agentes de saúde, durante a pesquisa não foi eficiente, sugerindo um possível efeito dispersor sobre o animal. Palavras-chaves:Comunidade. Escorpião. Piretróide. Saúde pública.

Pediatric epidemiological aspects of scorpionism and report on fatal cases from Tityus stigmurus stings (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in State of Pernambuco, Brazil

“…Tityus stigmurus formerly was found under roofs, among accumulated debris in the exterior areas of residences 3,5 and in cesspits 17 . Control measures rely on chemical insecticides that are not markedly successful 18 .…”

Chemical Control of Spiders and Scorpions in Urban Areas

“…The manual listed ME pesticides as a possible adjuvant means of controlling infestation by scorpions [176]. On the basis of empirical studies and observations, some investigators stated that Tityus scorpions can make use of their pectens to detect non-microencapsulated formulas applied to the substrate such as organochlorates, pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates [177,178,179,180]. After being exposed to these, the scorpions might show an increased activity and thus intensify the risk of attacks involving human beings.…”

“…A further idea was to introduce a scheme where one week each year would be devoted to the study of scorpionism within the schools of the town where the problem prevails; this would be an educational measure that could help prevent attacks and improve scorpion control. In the state of Pernambuco, the records on scorpionism by T. stigmurus constitute one of the highest incidences of scorpionism in the country, with 43.5 cases/100,000 habitants [183]. In natural environments, this species is found under stones, in cracks and in decomposing trees, especially in environments where the ground is very damp [183].…”

“…In the state of Pernambuco, the records on scorpionism by T. stigmurus constitute one of the highest incidences of scorpionism in the country, with 43.5 cases/100,000 habitants [183]. In natural environments, this species is found under stones, in cracks and in decomposing trees, especially in environments where the ground is very damp [183]. However, in urban areas, T. stigmurus has been found invading human dwellings, and living in roofs or among debris in backyards.…”

“…However, in urban areas, T. stigmurus has been found invading human dwellings, and living in roofs or among debris in backyards. An investigation in Recife, capital of the State of Pernambuco, analyzed the events that followed the application of the insecticide Demand 2.5 CS (lambdacyalothrin ME) in the field, to control T. stigmurus [183]. During three months, 69 premises were monitored on different days after being treated with insecticide, to determine the degree of scorpion detection frequency and mortality.…”