If symptoms of fire ant stings do not reduce or go away after several days, medical treatment may be necessary. An anaphylactic reaction may require the use of an EpiPen. If any severe reactions occur, call 9-1-1 immediately and watch for signs of shock and trouble breathing. Scratching can open the blisters and leave them vulnerable to infection. While it’s tempting to scratch the bumps, it’s best to leave them alone.
#Fire ant bites skin
Each sting injects venom into the skin that inflicts a fiery pain that can be sore and itchy for days.įire ants live beneath the soil in colonies just like other ant species. These ants will use their mouthparts to latch on to their victim and will then sting using their abdomen. Contrary to popular belief, the painful bumps fire ants leave on skin are not caused by a bite but a sting.įire ants are one of the few ant species that produce venom and sting.
Fire ants are notorious for their painful stings. The most commonly encountered fire ant in the United States is the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA). All About Fire Antsįire ants are a species of ant that produce venom.
#Fire ant bites how to
As a result, it’s important to be able to recognize a fire ant sting, its signs and symptoms, and know how to treat them. While most people are not allergic to the venom that comes from a fire ant sting, there are those who have severe and sometimes life-threatening reactions. Anyone who has ever had the misfortune of being stung by a fire ant knows how painful the burning and itching sensations can be. Fire ants can turn an incredible time in your yard into an event straight from a nightmare.