The reactions to fire ants are considered common and various forms of reactions can occur. Depending on the type of reaction that manifests, it is vital that you are prepared to alleviate the symptoms.
Close look on fire ants
The imported fire ants are reported to sting indoors including hotels, nursing homes and private homes. Once the ants encounter humans, they are likely to sting. Many individuals are typically stung several times and by multiple ants. A fire ant actually holds the skin using its jaw and folds its hind end below to sting. The ant will take out its stinger, revolve in a round manner and sting again.
Fire ants are small in size and usually black or red in color. They thrive in large colonies in the ground and build mounds.
Types of reactions to fire ants
Usual reactions
These reactions widely occur among those who have been stung by fire ants and includes localized swelling, pain and redness at the sting site. In just 24 hours, a blister filled with pus can develop at the site of the sting. The blister is not usually infected but triggered by a component of the fire ant venom.
Large localized reactions
These reactions are usually allergic in nature and occur in almost 50% of individuals stung by fire ants. The symptoms typically occur within 12-24 hours and include the following:
- Large area of swelling
- Pain
- Redness
- Itchiness at the sting site
Anaphylaxis
This is a severe, systemic allergic reaction that occurs in about 1% of those who are stung by fire ants. In most cases, the reaction is severe and even life-threatening. The symptoms of this reaction might include any of the following:
- Itchiness all over the body
- Flushing
- Hives or swelling that radiates from the sting site
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Sneezing, runny nose or postnasal drip
- Swollen lips, tongue or throat
- Sense of panic
- Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
- Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, fainting or low blood pressure
Toxic reactions
This form of reaction strikingly mimics anaphylaxis but triggered by multiple stings up to hundreds. Nevertheless, there is no allergic antibody present and the symptoms are triggered by the significant amount of venom injected into the body.
Preventive measures
Avoidance is the ideal way to prevent an allergic reaction from fire ant stings. There are several tips to consider:
- Always use shoes when walking outdoors especially on grass
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, gloves, socks and close-toed shoes when spending time outdoors
- Utilize a fire ant bait that is readily available in most hardware stores. Simply sprinkle onto mounds or over wide areas to prevent new infestations.
- Hire the services of a professional exterminator to deal with any mounds by fire ants in the surroundings along with regular monitoring for further infestation.