First Aid for Fire Ant Stings
Are you dealing with a major fire ant infestation on your property? Call Fire Ant Control, LLC, to handle the problem ASAP! In the meantime, keep these tips regarding first aid for fire ant stings handy; you’ll need them.
Fire ants are known for the burning, itching, and pain that accompanies their stings. For most victims, the discomfort is the worst of the reaction, but for others, allergies—even severe ones—are possible. As you venture through the outdoors of Southwest Florida, it’s important to know how to handle fire ant attacks. Read on to learn how to manage fire ant stings effectively.
What to Know about Fire Ant Stings
A fire ant sting comes with something no other sting does. Fire ants have a unique venom they inject through their stingers. What’s more, fire ants sting multiple times, holding on with their mandibles and repeatedly stinging as they rotate in a circle, with their grasp on your skin as the center. The stinging will not stop until the fire ant is forcibly removed or wiped away.
Fire ant venom can cause the following symptoms:
- Localized pain and swelling — mild reactions will include a burning sensation, redness, itching, and swelling
- Pustules — itchy, pimple-like blisters will form quickly (don’t pop them) and linger for about a week
- Itching — can persist for a few days
- Anaphylaxis — if an allergic reaction is severe and includes widespread swelling, dizziness, nausea, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
How to Respond When Experiencing a Fire Ant Attack:
Step One: Move. If you see fire ants, move to a new area. Unfortunately, we often experience stings as the first sign we’ve stepped into a danger zone.
Step Two: Remove the fire ants. Brush the fire ants off of your skin; remove your shoes, socks, and whatever other clothes they have found their way under. Shake and brush the fire ants out of your clothes and off of your skin.
Step Three: Clean the stings. Use soap and water or an alcohol wipe to clean the area as quickly as possible. Doing so will minimize the effect of lingering venom and reduce the potential for infection.
Step Four: Apply cold. Make a cold compress with an ice pack or washcloth in cold water and apply to the area for a few minutes. The cold will reduce the pain and itchiness of the inflammatory response to the venom.
Step Five: If necessary, use an oral antihistamine to lessen the swelling, redness, and itching; an anti-itch cream with hydrocortisone to reduce swelling and itching; and a pain reliever for pain.
As you deal with fire ant bites, don’t scratch and don’t pop the blister. These actions could cause an infection and will exacerbate the itchiness. Seek emergency medical care if you have a serious allergic reaction. You will need to begin carrying an EpiPen for future fire ant interactions.
If the area becomes infected, you will need antibiotics and should schedule a visit with your physician.
Click here to book Fire Ant Control, LLC, and prevent the need for these tips regarding first aid for fire ant stings, at least on your property. With retreatment every four months, our service will keep your property up to 99% fire ant free, or we’ll return your fee.