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Fire Ant PicTaking the Bite Out of Fire Ant Stings

Pam Traylor, former Extension Agent - IPM.(Fire Ant Project) for Harris County
Texas Agricultural Extension Service

Ouch! The stinging effects of red imported fire ants can be more serious than you think. If you have been sting by an ant, chances are you have been stung by Solenopsis invicta, the red imported fire ant which has invaded the southeastern two-third of Texas and most of the southeastern United States.

Fire ants are very aggressive and will defend their mounds from any threat. Once their mound is disturbed, fire ants will rush out by the thousands and sting anything within reach. They first bite and then sting one or more times while holding on with their jaws. Some symptoms of fire ant stings include burning and itching. Approximately a day later a white pustule will usually form. If scratched, these pustules can become infected. So when you do get stung, it is important to treat the stings and prevent infection.

Fire ants have a unique venom which is an oily alkaloid mixed with a little protein, and your one chance to lessen the pain from the sting is to quickly break down the protein. Fire ant stings can be treated by dabbing the bite with ammonia or diluted bleach (1:1 bleach and water). However, this method doesn’t work if more than 15 minutes have passed. Another option is to treat the sting with an insect bite remedy containing benzocaine or another ingredient that will deaden pain and protect against infection.

Some people are highly sensitive to fire ant stings. Just one sting can lead to chest pains, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling, or slurred speech. If this happens, the person should be taken to an emergency medical facility immediately.

Several ways to avoid problems are to:

  1. Teach children about fire ants

  2. Use the Two-Step Method of fire ant control in infested areas

  3. Implement community-wide fire ant management programs

 

For more information contact:

Paul Nester
Extension Agent - IPM
Fire Ant Project
Harris County
Phone: (281) 855-5600

or visit http://fireant.tamu.edu.

 

 

 

 

Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age, or national origin. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxilary aids, services or accommodations in order to participate in Extension programs are encouraged to call 281.855.5600 to discuss specific needs.