Dangers of Fire Ant Bites on Humans and Pets

Introduction to Fire Ant Bites

Fire ant bites can be life threatening! These ants are both very aggressive and are fast in attacking. They gather and attack any threat that comes their way. Fire ants are unique not because they can bite and sting. But they also release a venom that makes your skin feel like it’s on fire.

What does a fire ant bite look like?

From what is known, fire ant bites has symptoms of a red, swollen bump which usually appears immediately after the sting. Some people even have had a group of small, itchy blisters sometimes in a semicircle especially if they have had a close encounter with fire ants. It is usually possible to recognize these blisters. These can last for several days and even leave an infection which can become a scar.

Symptoms and Causes of their Bites

The primary reason for fire ant bites is their aggressive defense mechanism, through which fire ants attack with a pack mentality and take bites out of the skin while stinging. This venom triggers a wide variety of symptoms, such as:

• First, you will feel burning or stinging at the site of the fire ant bites.
• Next, you will observe red, raised bumps that quickly become blister filled with fluid.
• There will be uncontrollable itching that can last more than a few days.
• Moreover, there is a possibility that the swelling may extend beyond the sting site, particularly when numerous fire ant bites are in the same location.

The symptoms are not dangerous but uncomfortable. However, there are people who can have serious allergic reactions.

• Severe swelling and redness
• Feeling sick
• A feeling of tightened chest
• Troubled breathing
• Swelling in the tongue and throat.
• Feeling dizzy
• Experiencing low blood pressure (these are some signs of a life-threatening allergic reaction).

Pets can also be in danger. The immune systems of dogs that have been bitten by fire ants may display signs of pain, itching, and swelling on areas that have little fur like the belly or around the eyes.

What happens when you get bitten by fire ants?

They first bite into your skin using their jaw. Then, the ants turn around and sting you many times, injecting venom with each sting. The venom is the one that causes the pain and blisters. The ants only attack in groups, so it is very common to be bitten by several fire ants at once. The pain can last up to one hour, and the itch and swelling can still be there after several days.

How to treat fire ant bites?

• Leave the place quickly to avoid more bites.
• Wash the bitten part with soap and clean it carefully to remove any infections.
• In order to ease the pain and decrease swelling, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes and remove it. Do it for 15 minutes and then repeat.
• Visit a drug store and purchase some cortisone cream. Use a prescribed medicine for itching and swelling. This will be especially useful if you have quite a few fire ant bites.
• Use an oral antihistamine for itching and swelling. This will be especially useful if you have quite a few fire ant bites.
• Don’t scratch the blisters because not doing so will prevent infection and scarring.
• Non-prescribed pain relievers can be used not too frequently only when pain occurs.
• If any signs of the infection occur (increased redness, pus, or fever), the most important thing to do is calling a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Fire ants are not only a mere inconvenience but may also cause a lot of pain, discomfort, and in rare cases, serious health problems. Identifying fire ant bites in time will keep you in no danger zone. Keep in mind the fact that quick action accompanied by proper care is the best way to prevent the venom of fire ant bites.