How Does a Fire Ant Bite?
Symptoms
Between 35 to 40 percent of people who live in areas where fire ants live are bitten each year. Fire ants are very aggressive and usually bite in groups. They are so tiny, however, that many people don't notice them until they've been bitten. Once stung, 15 percent of victims will suffer from a severe allergic reaction. They will develop hives, major swelling, shortness of breath and may even fall into a coma or go into shock. Most people, however, experience a burning or itching sensation at the site of the bite, followed shortly by the development of a red bump sometimes filled with white pus. These welts can last for weeks.
Not only are fire ants aggressive, but they are also stubborn. They will continue to try to bite long after the danger has passed, even when there is no longer any venom in their sacks.
How They Bite
Fire ants use their sharp, claw-like mandibles to bite. They bite deeply, getting a firm grip so that they can raise their hindquarters to sting. While fire ants get saliva on the victim's skin, it is not the saliva that causes the burning sensation, unlike a mosquito whose saliva is what causes the irritation. In fact, you probably won't feel anything at all when a fire ant bites you other than a slight pricking sensation.
As the fire ant is biting you, it is also releasing a special chemical. This chemical is a signal calling more and more ants to attack. After getting a firm grip on you with its mandibles, the fire ant will raise its hindquarters high into the air and jab its stinger deep into your skin, injecting large amounts of venom from the attached venom sack. The venom is a toxic mix of alkaloids.
Treatment
While for most people, fire-ant bites are a painful irritation, for a minority of people they are a serious problem. Serious reactions include dizziness, chest pain, nausea and difficulty breathing. If these things occur after you've been bitten by a fire ant, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
For those that are not severely allergic to fire ants, there are things you can do to minimize the burning, itching and swelling. As soon as you are bitten, look around and move away from any obvious nests. Then, check your body and clothing to make sure there are no more fire ants on you. Remember, they usually bite in groups. Once you've found and killed any other ants on your person, wash the bites with soap and water. Then, treat the sting with a cold compress to help ease the swelling and pain. Finish up by disinfecting the bite and treating it with a natural antiseptic, such as tea tree oil.
Tags: been bitten, bite groups, burning itching, fire ants, fire ants, Fire Bite, firm grip