Euscorpius alpha Caporiacco in Attack Mode
Writing can be deadly. Especially in Italy . . .
At one time or another, many of us have probably dreamed of holing up in a cabin somewhere to finish a particularly troublesome project. For a writer like me, that would be the essay that’s taking forever, the manuscript that got sidetracked, or a novel that keeps getting postponed by life’s day-to-day interruptions.
Even better than a cabin in the woods, how about an isolated, 800-year-old casa in Italy? No distractions there, right?
That’s what I thought before I learned about the scorpions.
Something they don’t tell you in the travel brochures: There are LOTS of scorpions in Italy! Fortunately they aren’t the kind that kill you. Of the approximately 1400 species of scorpion worldwide, only twenty-five are deadly, and Euscorpius alpha Caporiacco – the black, nocturnal species prevalent in Italy and southern Switzerland – isn’t among them. The sting of the Italian version has been likened to that of a wasp, fatal only to someone who happens to be allergic.
Nevertheless, it can be more than a little unnerving to pick up a houseplant or look under a cabinet and find one of them staring back at you. They are definitely . . . creepy. The good news is that travelers visiting Italy can avoid being stung by simply hanging up clothes (don’t leave anything on the floor), shaking out shoes, and never walking barefoot at night.
Pranzo on the Terrace
Unfortunately for me, scorpions aren’t the only distractions in bella Italia. For one, there is traffic noise at all hours, especially first thing in the morning. Nothing a chicken dinner wouldn’t fix, though.
Speaking of food, the produce here is great! Fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, pastas, pizzas, meats . . . did I mention chicken? I’ve been doing a lot of cooking over here. Hmmm. Maybe I can work something about that into my writing?
Sardinia
And then there’s the coast. Tourist season is coming up soon, so my wife Susan and I decided it would be much smarter, not to mention cost effective, to travel to the beach now rather than later. Here’s a picture of us on the sand of Sardinia.
We also visited the island of Elba, where I did some firsthand research on Napoleon that might come in handy . . .
Elba selfie
Anyway, am I getting any writing done here in Italy? You bet. In fact, I’m just about to get back to work on my L.A. Sniper manuscript – the fourth in my “Kane Novel” series—right after I swat a couple scorpions, BBQ some chicken, and kick back for a while on the terrace.
What’s your worst insect encounter? Do bugs creep you out? What distracts you from your work? Please leave a comment and join the conversation!
Well, working on a home, taking a 1758 residence apart to be moved in pieces from the east coast to Illinois by rail. We had to remove the horsehair plaster and hand split lathe , in an upper bedroom we found bees approximately 4′ wide by 11′ long nest of angry returning home bees to use removing the cover of that honey hiding spot
Hi, Erik,
Thanks for commenting. Yeah, I’ve had lots of problems with bees, mostly yellow jackets, doing construction work myself, but nothing like that. Wow!
Steve
I smile when I read about scorpions, having lived in Arizona. I was eight months pregnant and sitting beside the Salt River. I put my hands down to boost myself up and felt a tickle in the palm of my right hand. When I lifted to see what it was, there was a scorpion. Doctors have told us if stung, apply meat tenderizer on the spot to relieve the pain. Fortunately, I was never stung.
Hi, Wanda,
Scary story. Sounds like you dodged a bullet on that one. The little scorpions in Arizona, as opposed to the ones in Italy, really pack a punch.
Steve
I haven’t encountered scorpions, but we get a lot of spiders. Luckily, an entomologist lived down the street. I thought I found a baby scorpion crawling across my floor. Fortunately, it turned out to be a pine spider. Not many bugs gross me out, but I had a laugh over this one.
Hi, Wanda,
At this time, considering what’s going on, it’s good to be able to laugh — even if it is inspired by a bug!
After Bev and I got married, we moved from our crappy apartment in the San Rafael “canal district” we rented a house in Lagunitas in West Marin. The downstairs bedroom was sort of dank and damp, but we slept down there until we realized there were lots of scorpions down there. When we went to change the sheets on the bed one day, there was one in the bed. We started sleeping upstairs…..
Hi, Craig!
didn’t know that area had scorpions. Yeah, time to sleep upstairs for sure!
Steve
Steve, I’ve never visited Europe, although there are three countries on my bucket list I’d love to visit, Italy and Greece for the history and food. A recent DNA test revealed that I am 3/4 of Irish and Scotch decent,, which peaked my interest in a visit there. I spent 14 months in Vietnam on Uncle Sams invitation, so the insects in Europe wouldn’t bother me to much. I believe my wife and I will travel to Europe one of these years.
Looking forward to the next Kane novel. I’ve been retired from law enforcement for ten years and I do miss the investigative aspect of the job. I can relive them through your novels by following Kane’s unique style of investigative thought.
Enjoy Italy and all it has to offer (food).
Hi, Joe!
Visiting Europe now is a good time, as the exchange rate for the euro is pretty low. We hope to go back this September, if writing, kayaking, and life don’t get in the way. And yes, Italy has great food to offer, especially their fresh produce. Their tomatoes actually taste like tomatoes!
Steve
Steve,
Enjoyed the note.
My wife and I have been to Italy twice–so far.
Rome is neat with all the historical sites…but busy. We like Venice, and especially Sienna. I’d go back tomorrow. The food and the vino!
As for scary happenings, mine was with a jelly fish off the coast of Playa del Rey, CA. While board surfing the curl, I got caught up in kelp. I did not fight it but did not see the jelly fish that went over with me. Got a long nasty sting across my chest. Got a surfing education from that!
Hi, Ralph,
We love Rome, Venice, and Firenze, but going to the cities is usually exhausting. Our place is near Assisi, which is easy to visit and beautiful as well. As for Sienna, I think their cathedral is the most magnificent one I have ever seen – anywhere!
Steve
P.S. I surfed PDR back in the day, and got a few stings there myself. Gorgeous spot!
I am glad you are having fun in Italy. But I am even happier you are doing another Kane story!
If I see a bug biting Kane, I will know where it came from.
Hey, Mike,
Thanks for commenting. I guess after reading your post, I had better get back to work and find out what happens next to the Kane clan . . .
Steve
I’ve heard that if you grow Lavender or harvest some and place on all window sills, that it helps!! Otherwise enjoy yourselves, and I’ll be patiently awaiting your next book!!
Hi, Suzanne,
We did have success by plugging up all the entry points, mostly. Scorpions are a lot like cockroaches in that they can flatten out and squeeze through the smallest cracks. I’ll give Lavender a try. At least it will smell good!
Steve
Steve,
I have a black scorpion tattooed on my chest, and in my company logo AND my website for…..wait for it……Phantom Scorpio Productions. I would have gone with Black Scorpion, but it was taken. As to why? it’s more because of my birthday than an irrational obsession with black scorpions. So, I for one, find it strange in never having seen one, I’m still wearing one.
As for writing in Italy? That’s akin to my problem of writing in the Keys. (Spent most of the week snorkeling and shooting photos, my creative hobby.
On the plus side, you guys look great in your Alba selfie, and I look forward to your next Kane novel. Recently finished the third.
To your continued success, (and no scorpions in your shoes),
Robert
Hi, Robert,
Thanks for commenting! My wife and I got a good laugh out of you scorpion connection(s). Great to hear from another writer. I checked out your website. Sweet, scorpion and all! Okay, time for me to get back to work . . .
Steve
That is one ugly critter! As a kid I lived in a logging camp on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. The horseflies were awful, but the noseeums were worse, so tiny you couldn’t see them, and they loved to bite kids’ necks. I spent every summer with a scarf around my neck!
Hi, Anne,
Thanks for reaching out. Yeah, I’ve experienced nostrums – they’re WAY worse than normal mosquitoes! Plus their bites seem to last for weeks! Unfortunately, we have them in Italy where we are as well.
Well, distraction.. live in Colorado, but got a quick call and leave same day.. now in Greece. Helping after wildfire( that turned out go be arson).
Yes , tomatoes, taste like real tomatoes.. heavenly!!
Home Thurs
Texas has scorpions. Yuk!!
Jane, I totally agree on both — scorpions and tomatoes.
One time many years ago living in a tent for the summer with three children, another story…I picked up my notebook to write something and my older son said very calmly to throw my notebook out the doorway. The look on his face made me do it. He explained about the scorpion that was very close to my hand on the back cover!
Hi, Cecile,
Thanks for commenting and sharing that story. . It’s a good thing you listen to your kids!
Steve
Wow…that could make me rethink a trip to Italy! So maybe it’s okay I can’t the trip. However, it’s jus got to be a awesome place to visit/write.
Diana,
I didn’t mean to put you off. Forget the scorpions and visit Italy! It’s awesome, and for some reason they like us there. You won’t regret it.
Steve