Yoshini Perumal|Published
A Silverglen woman says she was stung by a scorpion between her pillows and is urging residents to check beds, shoes and pets’ sleeping areas.
Marietjie De Beer, 53, who has been living in Lakeview Drive in Silverglen for five years, said this was the fourth time that they had found a scorpion in their home, which is situated near the Silverglen Nature Reserve.
She said last week, a scorpion was found hiding under her dog’s bed, but she never imagined that one would make its way to her own bed, and find comfort between her two pillows.
“I had just got into bed and put my hand in between my two pillows to get into my usual comfortable position to fall asleep.
“I felt a sharp pain. It felt as if someone had set my arm on fire. When my husband put the light on, the scorpion was still pinching me.
“The pain was excruciating. The scorpion was big and black. It fell from my arm onto the pillow and the mattress. We kicked it off the bed and put a towel over it so it does not move.
“We then threw it onto the embankment of the river across from our house.”
De Beer said her husband called an ambulance, but was told that there was none available.
She said after they had found the first few scorpions, they were concerned and started researching about it.
She said when she was stung and the ambulance was not available, she researched and found that the tail of the scorpion would indicate if the scorpion was venomous or not.
“We found that the scorpion had a thin tail, and was considered non-venomous.
“I decided to take two tablets for allergy and took pain medication. I am lucky that it was not life-threatening,” she added.
She urged residents living in Silverglen to be extra vigilant.
“I encourage residents to check their beds properly, and to also check their slippers and shoes before putting them on.
“Pets beds and sleeping areas must be thoroughly checked all the time.
“The pain of a scorpion sting is not easy to bear, and those with children should conduct extra checks around their homes to ensure that they are safe,” she advised.