Red ants excrete a toxin in their bite that causes irritation.
Red ants, commonly known as fire ants, are a species of ant that have a toxin in their pincers that can infect other animals or insects with their bite. The red ants live in colonies that range from several hundred to several thousand individual ants. It is important to address red ant bites when they occur to minimize the chance and effect of irritation. Getting rid of a colony that is close to a home or populated area is also a good way to minimize the chance of bites. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wash the area of a red ant bite as soon as it occurs. Use warm water and soap to disinfect the area quickly to halt the spread of toxins. Apply antihistamine cream to the area if burning or stinging continues. Ice the area of the bite if bumps or pustules appear.
2. Destroy the red ant colony to prevent future bites. Start by spreading red ant killing chemical granules to kill individual ants. Scoop out the granules and spread them around the area with the ants, making sure not to touch the granules with bare hands.
3. Identify and locate the red ant colony/hill. This area will have the highest concentration of ants and will have ants running in and out of it. Boil a large pot of water and carry the pot carefully out to the colony. Slowly pour the hot boiled water over the colony and let the water wash it away.
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