How To Treat Fire Ants Bites

How To Treat Fire Ants Bites

If you’re outdoors and hiking or camping, you should avoid contacting fire ants as if they were the plague (which they almost are). The bite from these tiny insects sends a burning sensation that can last for 24 hours. That’s why you must learn how to treat fire ants bites.

Do you know the best way to treat Fire Ants Bites? Well I’ll tell you: The three most important things to do right away are to cool off the fire ant bites, wash them thoroughly with soap and water, and use antihistamine cream if they are swollen. But once the symptoms start to go away you need to immediately think about killing them dead before they get more bites.

How To Treat Fire Ants Bites

How To Treat Fire Ants Bites

Fire ants are a common problem in the southern United States, but they can also be found in parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. Fire ants are very small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and dark red or brown in color. The stinging part of their body is located on the abdomen and consists of two parts: a long needle-like structure called an acidopore and a venom sack that produces venom. The venom sack is connected to the acidopore by a narrow channel through which the venom travels when it is injected into its victim.

When fire ants bite, they inject large amounts of venom into their victim’s skin and tissues. This causes severe pain that usually lasts for several hours and may last for up to 24 hours. The affected area may swell, turn red and feel hot to the touch. In severe cases, large blisters may develop at the site of the bite as well as itching and burning sensations caused by histamine release from mast cells. Because fire ant bites often appear similar to those caused by other insects such as mosquitoes or ticks (which also cause swelling), it is important to seek medical attention if you believe you have been bitten by a fire ant.

If you get bitten by a fire ant, there are several things that you can do to treat them and relieve some of the pain and itching associated with the bite. A good first step is to wash the area with soap and warm water to get rid of any debris or dirt from around the bite and prevent infection from developing in the wound site. After this, apply an antiseptic cream or lotion like Neosporin to help reduce any redness or swelling that may occur around the bite area itself (this will also help prevent any infections from developing as well). If possible, avoid scratching at itchy areas because this can lead to infection as well (scratching also makes it more likely for bacteria to enter into your bloodstream system which could cause further problems).

How To Treat Fire Ants Bites

People can have different reactions, such as itching, a swollen foot or arm, or even a severe allergic reaction that needs immediate medical care.

It’s normal to have a small, itchy lump, which usually gets better in 30 to 60 minutes. Within 8-24 hours you may get a small blister filled with fluid that looks like pus (it’s actually dead tissue).

Some people have larger reactions around the sting. For example, one on your arm might cause your whole arm to swell. If you’re OK apart from that, you can start the following treatment on your own and then see your doctor.

• Ice the sting off and on (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off). Use an ice pack, or put the ice in a towel. Don’t put ice directly on your skin, and don’t use heat.
• Raise the part of your body where you got stung to reduce swelling.
• Take an antihistamine and use a hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching.

If the sting is very large and painful, your doctor may give you prescription antihistamines and steroids.

A severe allergic reaction is rare, but it can be life-threatening. Symptoms include hives, cramping in your gut with nausea or diarrhea, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, dizziness, and swelling of your tongue or throat. Call 911 right away. If you have an epinephrine shot, use it, and repeat after 5 to 15 minutes if your symptoms haven’t improved. You’ll still need medical care right after you give yourself the shots, even if your symptoms seem to stop, in order to prevent a delayed reaction.

4 Ways to Avoid Fire Ants

1. Stay away from fire ant nests. Be careful when you mow the lawn or work in your garden.
2. Hire a trained exterminator to check for and get rid of fire ant nests around your home.
3. Wear shoes and socks when you walk outside.
4. Wear gloves when you garden.

Once you have had a reaction to a fire ant sting, you have a 60% chance of having a similar or worse reaction if you are stung again. Ask your doctor if allergy shots would help and if you should carry an epinephrine auto-injector. If your doctor prescribes one, carry two injections with you.

List Of How To Treat Fire Ants Bites