Banner Poison Control Center
Prevention Guide
24-hour phone: 800-222-1222

Things you can do to prevent a venomous bite or sting when enjoying Arizona's great outdoors:

When hiking:

• Wear long pants and lace-up leather shoes or boots that cover the ankles.
• Remain alert for snakes. Be extra cautious when temperatures remain above 82 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime. South-facing slopes and rocky areas are places where snake encounters are more likely.
• Don't handle, touch or play with snakes or Gila monsters. Walk around them if you can.
• A long walking stick can be a good hiking companion. It can be used in an emergency to move a snake out of bite range. Bite range is between 1/4 to 1/2 the snake's body length.
• Step on top of rocks or logs to get a clear view of what's on the other side before stepping down.
• Don't place your hands where you can't see.
• Don't blindly reach under rocks or logs.
• Check and shake bedding and clothes before use.
• Don't wear scents of any kind (for example: perfume, after shave or hair spray).
• Watch for bee hives, colonies or swarms when outdoors - leave alone if found.

When camping:

• Check and shake bedding and clothes before use.
• Close and zip all tent closures at night.
• Be aware that during the hot summer months in Arizona, the rattlesnakes are more active and hunt at night.
• Keep a good first aid kit with you. A snake bite kit is not necessary.