April showers might bring May flowers in other parts of the country, but in Maricopa, they bring the rattlesnakes out of hibernation. While gardening is an enjoyable hobby, you should be aware of some of the dangerous critters you might encounter.
- The Western Diamondback Rattlesnake delivers one of the most dangerous snakebites in the region. Its venom is potent and can cause intense throbbing pain, swelling and tissue damage at the bite site. Other symptoms may include nausea, dizziness and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the venom can lead to necrosis, or tissue death. A rattlesnake bite is a medical emergency, and anyone bitten should seek immediate medical attention.
- When a Gila Monster bites, it chews venom into the wound rather than injecting it. The bite can cause burning pain, swelling and a strong feeling of pressure at the site. Although the venom is rarely deadly to humans, it can cause significant discomfort along with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and a drop in blood pressure.
- The Arizona Bark Scorpion delivers one of the most painful stings of any scorpion in North America. Victims often describe the sensation as sharp and electric, followed by numbness, tingling and muscle spasms. While the venom is rarely fatal, it can trigger severe reactions, including difficulty breathing, particularly in children and older adults. Health officials advise seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms become intense or worsen after a sting.
- The Tarantula Hawk Wasp’s sting is often described as a searing, electric shock that can temporarily incapacitate its victim. Its venom is highly toxic to insects, which it paralyzes, but it is not lethal to humans. The sting is extremely painful, and the intense pain can last several hours. Redness and swelling at the sting site are also common.
- The sting of an Africanized Honeybee, often called a killer bee, feels like that of a typical honeybee but can be more intense. Because these bees are known for aggressive swarming, victims may be stung multiple times. The venom causes sharp, burning pain along with redness, swelling and itching at the sting site. A single sting is usually not deadly for most people. However, multiple stings or an allergic reaction can become dangerous and may require medical attention.
- The bite of a Black Widow Spider can cause a sharp, burning sensation that may intensify into severe muscle cramps and stiffness. The spider’s venom is neurotoxic and can lead to symptoms such as nausea, sweating and severe abdominal pain. While the bite can be extremely painful, it is rarely fatal.
- A sting from a Desert Hairy Scorpion usually causes moderate pain, similar to a bee sting, along with localized redness and swelling. Its venom is not considered highly toxic to humans.
- Blister Beetles do not bite or sting. However, when crushed against the skin they can release a toxin called cantharidin, which can cause painful skin blisters. The toxin is not deadly but can irritate the skin.
- The Giant Desert Centipede’s bite can cause sharp, burning pain along with significant swelling. Its venom is potent enough to subdue its prey but is not usually deadly to humans. The bite can still cause considerable discomfort and inflammation.
- The sting of a Red Imported Fire Ant begins with a burning sensation that intensifies and often leads to small, pus-filled blisters. The venom is not typically deadly but contains alkaloids that cause intense pain and itching.
To help avoid bites and stings, wear long sleeves, long pants, high socks and thick gloves when gardening. Check under rocks and shrubs for scorpions, spiders and snakes before placing your hands or feet, and never reach into areas you cannot see. A blacklight can help you spot active scorpions in your yard at night. Also avoid floral scents, perfumes and bright, flowery clothing that can attract bees and wasps. Taking a few simple precautions can make gardening safer and more enjoyable.
Wende Gehrt is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
