Fire ants are among the many non-native species that can be found in the southeastern United States, posing problems for residents and farmers alike. According to eMedicine.com, fire ants are believed to have arrived in the United States on South American ships that docked in Mobile, Alabama between 1918 and the 1930s.
Fire ants are known for their aggressive nature and for their bites. A fire ant sting is itchy yet painful and very prone to infection.
Fire Ant Appearance and Behavior
Fire ants are aptly named for their red-orange color (fire also refers to the sensation experienced following a fire ant sting!) These insects are tiny; several fire ants could comfortably stand on the top of a pencil eraser.
But what fire ants lack in size, they make up for in bite. The sting of a fire ant is painful, yet itchy. And once one ant bites, more are sure to follow. In fact, it's widely known that the bite of one fire ant will trigger other ants in the colony to attack; the ants will emit a chemical when threatened, causing other fire ants to bite as well.
Notably, fire ants will bite and clamp down on the skin if you attempt to wash them off with a hose or similar. Therefore, fire ants must be brushed off; they cannot be rinsed off during an attack.
Symptoms of a Fire Ant Bite
Fire ants bite without provocation; simply walking within 15 feet of a fire ant's anthill is enough to spur an attack from these aggressive ants. The fire ant sting is painful and understandably so, as the ant uses its mandibles to literally bite away a tiny chunk of skin while simultaneously injecting a venom. According to eMedicine.com, if left in place, the fire ant will pivot and begin to inflict bites in a circular pattern.
Within a few seconds, the fire ant bite will begin to itch, resulting in a unique sensation that combines pain and itch. Over-the-counter after-bite products are fairly effective in relieving the symptoms of discomfort at the site of the fire ant bite in the hours following the ant attack.
One home remedy for fire ant bites and the associated pain/itch involves pouring ammonia over the site of the bite, allowing the ammonia to sit on the skin for approximately one minute, and then flushing the site with cold water. This helps to eliminate the pain and itch associated with the sting of the fire ant.
An alternative treatment to relieve itching and pain associated with a fire ant bite involves applying an ice pack compress to the site of the sting. The cold compress will offer relief for the itch and burning sensation.
Signs of an Infected Fire Ant Bite
Fire ant bites are extremely prone to infection. Several hours following the fire ant bite, a tiny pustule will typically form. The site of the ant bite is typically associated with itching, slight pain, redness and minor swelling, the latter symptoms the result of infection, which is a common result of ant bites.
A minority of fire ant stings will not become infected. In these cases, the person will experience an itching sensation for several days following the bite and the subtle red bite mark will fade and eventually heal within approximately one week.
Treating Fire Ant Stings
The following steps will help to reduce the risk of infection that's associated with fire ant bites. The sooner the following steps are performed, the lesser the chance of infection.
- Wash the site of the fire ant bite using antibacterial soap. Wash the site for two full minutes and then rinse the area thoroughly with fresh water.
- Disinfect the site of the fire ant sting using betadine. If betadine is not available, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide will suffice, but betadine is typically the most effective antiseptic solution.
- If itching is bothersome, apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone cream to the site of the ant bite.
- Apply a dab of antibiotic ointment to the fire ant bite.
- Cover with a band-aid.
- Repeat this process three times per day until healed.
It's important to avoid "picking at" the pustule that forms following an ant bite. Many fire ant bite victims are tempted to squeeze or pop the pustule, which resembles a pimple. But this will only push the infection deeper into the skin; this will worsen the infection, delay healing and increase the chances of scarring.
Allergic Reactions to Fire Ant Stings
In some fire ant sting victims, the bite will trigger an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to a fire ant bite include:
- Shortness of Breath
- Difficulty Breathing
- Sweating
- Suddenly Pale Skin Color
- Anaphylactic Shock
If a victim of a fire ant bite begins to experience unusual symptoms, immediate medical attention is essential as the allergic reaction to the ant sting can ultimately lead to death if left untreated.
Fire ant bites can be especially dangerous for diabetics, as the bites often affect the feet and lower legs. The fire ant sting is very prone to infection, which makes them especially dangerous for diabetics, who can suffer serious health problems due to foot and leg infections.
In a minority of cases, fire ant victims can experience a case of serious skin infection. If, with time, the site of the ant bite worsens in appearance — redness, pain and swelling increases — immediate medical attention is essential to prevent the spread of infection and scarring.
Pets can also suffer from fire ant bites. To learn about fire ant bite treatment in dogs and how to recognize a dog's symptoms of an allergic reaction to insect stings, read How to Treat Fire Ant Bites in a Dog: Insect Bite Treatment in Dogs and Allergic Reaction Symptoms in Pets.
Looking for humane and natural pest control methods for getting rid of ants in the home? Read How to Get Rid of Ants – Humane and Natural Pest Control Tips.
Sources:
- WebMD's eMedicine.com. Retrieved May 28, 2009.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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