Banner Poison & Drug Information Center warned on March 18 that Arizona residents should be cautious as rising temperatures lead to more activity from venomous creatures such as rattlesnakes and scorpions.
The warning comes as the state enters an early summer, with the center already handling 10 reported rattlesnake bites and 237 scorpion stings this year. In 2025, there were nearly 2,300 scorpion stings and over 100 rattlesnake bites reported. The highest risk period is typically July through September, when these animals are most active.
Children are particularly vulnerable to severe effects from bites or stings. “Children face a greater risk of severe effects, so it’s crucial to contact the Poison Center immediately if someone is bitten or stung,” said Maureen Roland, RN, director of the Banner Poison & Drug Information Center. “We encourage parents to educate their children early about the dangers of rattlesnakes and scorpions and teach them to stay away and never attempt to touch.”
Residents are advised to wear shoes and protective clothing during outdoor activities like hiking or gardening. Rattlesnakes often hide under wood piles, brush, or rocks; experts recommend contacting pest-control professionals for relocation rather than attempting removal themselves. If bitten by a rattlesnake, individuals should seek hospital treatment promptly and avoid home remedies such as cutting the wound or using ice.
The Banner Poison & Drug Information Center provides free, round-the-clock emergency telephone service for Maricopa County residents and medical professionals in more than 150 languages. More information can be found at bannerhealth.com/poisoncenter.
Banner Health provides substantial community benefits through its nonprofit activities according to the official website. The organization operates facilities across several states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming according to the official website. Banner Health ranks among the largest nonprofit health systems in the nation according to the official website and aims to simplify health care to improve quality of life as stated on the official website. It functions as a nonprofit organization according to the official website.
