Harmful insects (scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, and stink bugs) factsheet

Introduction

Some insects can harm children by biting, stinging, or spraying fluids that can get into the eyes or onto the skin. They do this to protect themselves from animals or people who might hurt them.

It is important to teach your child about different harmful insects, how to avoid them, and what to do if they are bitten or stung.

Scorpions 

Scorpions are found in gardens and forests, often under rocks or in burrows. They have two pincers and a long tail with a stinger at the end. 

Scorpions sting by pushing their stinger into the skin to release venom. They sting when accidentally touched, picked up, or stepped on.

Centipedes

Centipedes are found under rotting leaves, logs, and rocks. They are long, flat, and have many legs on both sides of their body. 

Centipedes have sharp claws under their mouth, which they use to inject venom when grabbed, picked up, or stepped on.

Millipedes 

Millipedes are found under rotting leaves, soil, rocks, and tree bark. They are long, tube-shaped, and have many legs. 

Some millipedes spray a toxic fluid when they feel threatened or are accidentally touched or stepped on.
 

Stink bugs

Stink bugs are commonly found in parks and gardens. They are flat, have long antennae, and are shaped like a shield. 

Stink bugs release a foul-smelling spray when threatened, disturbed, or crushed.

 Signs and symptoms

Scorpions

Symptoms of a scorpion sting can be different depending on the type of scorpion, how many times your child was stung and their general health.

Some common symptoms can include:

  • intense pain
  • swelling 
  • redness
  • numbness
  • tingling.

Centipedes

Symptoms of a centipede sting can be different depending on the type of centipede, how many times your child was stung and their general health.

Some common symptoms can include:

  • intense pain
  • swelling 
  • redness
  • numbness
  • tingling.

Millipedes

Toxic fluid from millipedes can get in the eyes and on the skin, causing:

  • brown staining on the skin
  • burning 
  • itching
  • blisters
  • pain in the eyes
  • watery eyes
  • inflammation in the eyes.

Stink bugs

Foul-smelling liquid from stink bugs can get in the eyes and on the skin, causing:

  • pain
  • redness
  • irritation.

Anaphylaxis and insect stings

Some children may have a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, called anaphylaxis. 

Signs of anaphylaxis include:

  • wheezing, difficult, or noisy breathing 
  • swelling of the tongue
  • swelling or tightness in the throat
  • a persistent cough
  • difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
  • dizziness
  • becoming pale and floppy in young children
  • collapsing.

Children at risk of anaphylaxis may also vomit.

If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, you should:

  • follow your child’s ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis if you have one
  • use an EpiPen® or Anapen®, if there is one available
  • call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

Diagnosis

Most insect stings or sprays don't need a diagnosis. 

If your child has an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, they should see a specialist doctor, like an immunologist or allergist, for testing and treatment.

Treatment

First aid for scorpion and centipede stings

  1. wash the area with soap and water, keeping it clean and dry. 
  2. apply antiseptic if available
  3. use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or cool running water to reduce swelling and pain - do not use an ice pack on the eyes.
  4. give your child pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen for severe pain.

For more advice, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.

First aid for millipede and stink bug spray

For Eyes:

  1. hold the eye open and rinse it with running water for 15 minutes
  2. visit your local doctor or emergency department for an eye check as soon as possible.

For Skin:

  1. wash the skin with soap and water
  2. watch for blistering, broken skin, or infection.

Brown stains on the skin from millipedes will go away on their own. 

For more advice, call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26.

Infection

If you notice signs of infection in the skin days after the sting or spray, see your local doctor as soon as possible.

Signs of infection can include:

  • redness
  • pain
  • feeling very warm.

 Management

Preventing stings and sprays from harmful insects

Teaching your child not to touch or disturb insects is important in preventing stings and sprays. It is also helpful to know where these insects live, such as:

  • under compost or leaf litter
  • under rocks and logs
  • on plants.

If your child sees an insect while playing outside, they should not try to swat it or destroy its nest. Disturbing insects or their homes can cause them to sting or spray.

Disclaimer

This factsheet is provided for general information only. It does not constitute health advice and should not be used to diagnose or treat any health condition.

Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for you and/or your child.

The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network does not accept responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions, the interpretation of the information, or for success or appropriateness of any treatment described in the factsheet.

© Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network 2025


This factsheet was produced with support from John Hunter Children's Hospital.