LEARNING ABOUT FIRE ANTS

I once watched an episode of I Shouldn’t Be Alive on the Discovery Channel and one thing I will never forget in my adult life is how fire ants attack. They may look like ordinary ants but once they start stinging, you’ll know you’re in the midst of a fire ant nest. I hardly ever go out of the metropolis but I would still want to be aware of things like this, especially since fire ants have been found here in the Philippines.

I’m allergic to most insect bites. A small bite from a small mosquito would progress into a horrible rash. I can only imagine the damage a nest of fire ants would do to a highly allergic person or to an infant. So how can you tell if you are near a fire ant nest? Check for mounds. They will be made up of loose soil and can be as high and as wide as 2 feet. Also, the ants themselves are of different sizes. But the surest way of knowing is the ants’ aggressiveness when disturbed. When unsure, do not go near a mound but instead, poke a long stick into it. If the ants swarm and attack relentlessly, chances are, you’re near a fire ant nest. Then get away fast.

So what are some fire ants treatment? First, wash off the venom using a mixture of soap and water. Then disinfect the bite area using rubbing alcohol. A cold compress on the bites will help prevent swelling the next day. For extreme itchiness, an anti-histamine like Benadryl will help ease the discomfort.

Preparedness and sufficient information is essential in preventing a close encounter with a fire ant nest and a possible attack. Remember that learning to avoid getting stung in the first place is the best way to prevent a painful fire ant experience.