Treat Fire Ant Bites Naturally

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.