What Should I Do If I Get Stung By A Fire Ant?

If you live in Florida, don’t wait until you’ve been stung by a fire ant to learn precisely “what should I do?”. When a fire ant attack happens, you’ll most likely have numerous bites and stings because they attack as an army and can sting multiple times. Of course, the best way to deal with fire ant bites is to avoid them altogether by calling Fire Ant Control, LLC.

What Should I Do If I Get Stung By A Fire Ant?Different people react differently to fire ant bites. Some people have a slight itch for a few minutes; others may experience localized swelling or nausea; and a small portion of the population may experience anaphylaxis and need immediate medical care.

Gauging Your Reaction to Fire Ant Bites

It’s common for fire ant bites/stings to result in tiny bumps that itch and become blisters. The itchiness usually resolves within an hour, and the blister will appear within a day and linger for a week. 

A localized reaction is common for some people. Swelling of the limb affected by a blister is an example of this type of reaction. If localized swelling is the only symptom, you can begin home treatment and schedule an appointment with a doctor soon.

Treatment Measures for Fire Ant Bites/Stings:

  • Apply ice to the sting, rotating 15 minutes on and then 15 off. Avoid putting the ice directly on your skin; wrap the ice in a towel.
  • Elevate the affected limb to minimize swelling.
  • Take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl and apply hydrocortisone cream to the area.
  • The physician may prescribe prescription-only steroids and antihistamines.

Once you’ve been stung by a fire ant, monitor for signs of a more serious allergic reaction. A tiny percentage of the population has a serious allergy and the anaphylactic response that results can be deadly. Symptoms to watch for include hives, stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea, chest tightening, trouble breathing, dizziness, and tongue or throat swelling.

If these symptoms occur, call 911. Should you have an epi-pen, use it, repeating after 5-15 minutes if symptoms persist. You will still need medical attention even after the shot.

How to Avoid Fire Ants

This part of the world is rife with fire ants. Appropriate caution is necessary during outside work, especially when you mow the grass, do garden work, or walk outside while the dew is fresh. Avoid going outside with bare feet, and wear gloves to garden.

The best way to avoid fire ants is to call Fire Ant Control, LLC. 

Fire Ant Control, LLC, utilizes a strong granular bait that fire ants view as food. They carry it to the queen, she ingests it, becomes infertile, and voila, your fire ant population is decreased by up to 95% for a fire ant life cycle. This method is the most effective means of managing fire ant populations. It works long-term to great effect but requires repeat treatments every four months.

The bait that we use is approved for use around people and animals, and we’re a fully licensed and insured company operating out of Bokeelia, FL.

Instead of worrying about what I should do if I get stung by a fire ant, call Fire Ant Control, LLC, to prevent the situation in the first place. Click here or call 239-312-8200 to book your service today.