Fire ants are a menace spreading throughout the United States and many other countries. They are a potential killer as, not only do they cause a similar allergic reaction in those allergic to bees and wasps, but they swarm over a victim delivering thousands of stings and bites. When they attack, each ant will take a bite with their large mandibles, this leaves them free to swing their bodies and deliver venomous stings with their hind-ends. When dealing with fire ant stings don’t take any chances. If you feel any anaphylactic symptoms, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Symptoms of an anaphylactic response to a fire ant bite
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a fire ant and shows any of the following symptoms seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY:
- General flushing
- General hives
- Facial swelling
- Slurred speech
- Chest pain
- Headache
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Syncope
- Difficulty breathing
General Symptoms of a Fire Ant Sting
- Intense pain
- Welts or hives
- Small blisters within 24 hours
- Swelling
- Itching
- Redness
- Red halo around the sting
How do I prevent fire ant bites?
- Avoid fire ant mounds.
- Do not let children play near fire ant mounds.
How can I treat fire ant bites?
- Get away from the fire ant mound as quickly as you can!
- Remove the ants by raking them away. If they have clamped onto you with their mandibles this may require pulling them off one by one.
- DO NOT strike the ants as this will simply make them angrier.
- Ice the area immediately to help reduce inflammation.
- Elevate the limbs that have been bitten.
- Wash the area with soap and water to help prevent infection.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water, then spread over the bites and stings to help alleviate pain.
- Rub the stings with aloe vera gel to help reduce the pain and swelling.
- Don’t scratch. The bites and stings will form blisters that should not be ruptured.
- Use calamine lotion to control itching.
- Vinegar can be used to wipe down the area as it may help to neutralize the venom and relieve pain.
- Onion and garlic can be applied to a sting to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation as well as cutting the risk of infection.
Rose water is made from rose petals and roses are one of the best ways to soothe skin irritation. This is because they have astringents in them. Besides this, rose water antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.