Here you are minding your own business, having a nice walk in the park, and before you know it, bam, you get stung. Often you do not even know what got you.
You will most likely notice these guys crawling up your leg if you look down. If you disturb fire ants, they don’t mess around. They attack. Well, technically, they bite and sting. They clamp to your skin with their two strong pincers when they bite, and because of this, it takes a lot of swatting to get them off. After biting, they sting by swinging their tail to and fro. One biting fire ant can sting you six to eight times.
Because fire ants don’t come as singles. They quickly cover a foot, leg, or arm, and you are covered with thousands of them before you know what’s happening.
Although potentially killer allergic reactions occur, it is rare, just as they do in bee and wasp stings. You can get sick if you have gotten stung by a swarm, and if it’s an arm or leg, there can be a lot of local swelling, but it is usually not lethal.
We who’ve been bitten all have our little tricks on treating fire ant bites. Here are a few things you can do in case you get bitten
Where do you find fire ants?
Fire ants can be found in most warm and humid parts of the world, including the southeastern United States. They prefer to nest in open areas like fields or near buildings close to water sources.
You’ll find fire ants in their nests, often in massive mounds of dirt, but not always, on trees and feeding on dead things.
If you are walking through an area where fire ants may be present, remain alert and avoid disturbing them as much as possible. However, even if you take every precaution, it is still possible to get stung.
What should you do if you have been bitten by a fire ant?
If you notice that you have been bitten by a fire ant and experience any signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately; however, for milder cases, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and swelling.
1. Wash the area with soap and water
2. Apply one of the ten things we list later on in the article
3. If the swelling and mail is bad, take an oral antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to help reduce swelling
4. If the swelling persists or gets worse, seek medical attention
While fire ant bites are not usually life-threatening, they can be very painful and cause severe reactions in some people. If you have been bitten by a fire ant, here are a few things you can do to ease the pain.
Home Remedies to Treat Fire Ant Bites
If you need something quick and fast, there are many things you can find that will help around the house.
1. Ice pack
Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth and place it on the area in 10-minute intervals.
2. Honey
Honey is one of nature’s natural remedies as it has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Apply a thin layer over the sting for instant relief.
3. Aloe Vera
The ancient Egyptians used aloe as an elixir for its wide range of benefits. If you have an aloe plant at home, you can just cut off a little piece, peel back the skin and apply to the area. The gel instantly soothes the pain and decreases inflammation.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
This one may come as a bit of a surprise, but its the acidity in the vinegar that acts to soothe the itch. Mix equal parts of water with apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle to spray the affected area.
5. Make a paste of baking soda and water
Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to the area for 10 minutes, then rinse. Baking soda also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.
6.Toothpaste
Similar to baking soda, toothpaste works well to soothe the inflamed area.
7. Mustard
Another surprising remedy, but mustard can also be used as it also has vinegar in it, although this one can be a bit messy.
8. Cucumber
The cooling properties of cucumber make it great for a bite. Cut a slice and rub it on the affected area.
9. Oatmeal baths
Another natural way to soothe fire ant bites is with an oatmeal bath. Add dried oats to your warm bath, soak in it for 20 minutes, then rinse off and pat dry your skin. This can help reduce inflammation and irritation from the bite and provide some much-needed relief.
10. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil has long been used as an effective remedy for all kinds of bug bites and stings due to its antibacterial properties. Simply mix a few drops of tea tree oil in a glass of water and apply.
Non-natural Alternatives you can use for fire ant bites
Oral Medicines
- Antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or one of the nonsedating ones.
Injections
- Epinephrine (EpiPen). You need to only use this if you have an allergic reaction. Fire ants can cause the same type of life-threatening allergic reaction as wasps and bees. Everyone should have one of these at home and one in a backpack or bug-out bag because when you need it, you need it immediately.
Anaphylactic Warning Signs
There are several warning signs you are at risk for an anaphylactic shock. They’re the same as in any severe allergic reaction.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Itchiness, swelling of the lips and throat, hives, flushing of the face
- Dizziness and weakness
- Throat tightness or chest pressure
- Breakout of welts over the body, including areas that have not been stung.
If you experience these symptoms after being bit by a fire ant, seek medical attention immediately. While non-life threatening, early treatment is key to minimizing any potential discomfort from fire ant bites.
For more DIY
Conclusion
Fire ant bites can be painful and cause severe reactions in some people, but for most, it’s just annoying. So don’t worry there is a high chance you have an effective remedy right at home.
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Resources
[1] Relief For Ant Bites: 7 Easy Home Remedies.
https://www.homepest.com/blog/7-home-remedies-for-ant-bites
[2] How to treat fire ant bites.
https://www.healthline.com/health/fire-ant-bites
Photo by Cherre Bezerra Da Silva/Unsplash