Arizona Games and Fish Department

Bark scorpion.

Monsoon season is coming, and a toxicologist at Banner Health says its poison and drug hotline gets a spike in scorpion-related calls during the summer storms.

Hot temperatures and high humidity, as well as rain flushing the arachnids out of their hiding spots, lead to increased scorpion activity during monsoon season.

Dr. Meghan Spyres of Banner Health says most people experience pain in reaction to a scorpion sting, but there are ways to reduce the severity.

“If you get stung, you can wash it off with some cool water and soap and just call the poison center and they can kind of help guide you on the reaction that you’re experiencing, and if you need to seek further medical care,” said Spyres.

Spyres recommends removing extra debris in your home and backyard, and using a blacklight to look for scorpions at night to avoid getting stung.

She says even those with severe reactions can feel better within a day if given antivenom.