 Although fire ants are sometimes life
threatening, they're generally no more than a nuisance pest. However, a
person who inadvertently stands on a mound or one of its tunnels, or who leans
against something included in the ants' defended area, such as a fencepost, can
suddenly find hundreds of ants rushing out to attack. Typically, the ants can
swarm undetected on a person for 10 or more seconds before they finally
begin to sting as a coordinated group.
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Range
Fire ants are found in Alabama, Florida,
Louisiana, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Puerto Rico. Isolated colonies have
been found in California, and as far north as Kansas City, Missouri.
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Identifying
Identifying fire ants is difficult because
they look much like ordinary ants. They're 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and
reddish brown to black in color, and are probably best distinguished by their
aggressive behavior and characteristic mound-shaped nests.
The nests each contain several hundred-thousand
ants, and can reach densities of up to 1,000 nests per acre. Generally,
mounds are 12 inches or more in diameter and height, although, mounds in excess
of two feet in diameter and height are not uncommon in Georgia. The
underground portion is a series of interlocking galleries, tunnels and chambers
that may extend to depths of one to five feet or more, depending on soil type,
age and colony size. Tunnels just below the soil surface extend laterally
several yards out from the mound, with regular exits where the ants come out to
search for food or attack. If the following characteristics of the ants
and their mounds are observed, they're likely fire ants:
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Numerous and conspicuous mounds
of loose soil, resembling gopher diggings.
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Worker ants are dark
(usually red or black), small and highly variable in size.
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They swarm readily and are
very aggressive.
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Workers have the same body
proportions from the tiniest to the largest. Head width never exceeds the
abdomen width, even in the largest workers.
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They sting relentlessly.
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Stings
When disturbed, fire ants are very
aggressive. The ant grips the skin with its mandibles (jaws) and stings its
victim several times in a circular pattern around the point of mandible
attachment. Because of the ant's aggressive nature and capacity for multiple
stings, an attack usually results in several stings.
Some people who are stung experience only
local reaction and temporary discomfort but, in most, a swollen red area will
occur followed by a sterile pustule within 24 hours. Although the venom is
bactericidal, secondary infections due to scratching may occur.
Although a single fire ant sting hurts less
than a bee or wasp sting, the effect of multiple stings is impressive.
Multiple stings are common, not only because hundreds of ants may have attacked,
but because individual ants can administer several stings.
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Symptoms
Some people experience a generalized allergic
reaction to a fire ant sting including hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and
shock. People exhibiting these symptoms after being stung should seek
medical attention immediately. Death can occur in hypersensitive
people.
The sting is characterized by a severe
burning sensation. Each sting
usually results in the formation of a pustule within 6 to 24 hours. The
majority of stings are uncomplicated, but secondary infections may occur if the
pustule is broken, and scars may last for several months. Severe
infections requiring skin grafting or amputation have been known to occur. Sensitive individuals can swell up as a result of stings
and occasionally die.
Reaction to fire ant stings is similar to
reaction to the stings of bees, wasps, hornets and yellow jackets. The
overwhelming majority of fire ant stings are medically uncomplicated, but
evidence shows that people hypersensitive to fire ants are more likely to be
hypersensitive to other venomous insects.
Anyone stung and displaying marked symptoms
of hives, weakness, dizziness, wheezing, shortness of breath or confusion should
be given immediate medical attention.
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Combating
If you must work in proximity to fire ants:
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Fire ants
will first bite with their mandibles in order to anchor for the thrust of
the sting. As soon as you feel this pinching sensation, quickly
sweep the ants off before they actually sting.
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The June 2003 issue of Field
& Stream reported that the mouthwash, Listerine, applied to fire ant
stings will alleviate the pain and prevent the pustules from forming.
While I have not tested this myself, nor heard of this treatment
elsewhere, it may be worth a try.
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