Only the female fire ant is capable of stinging.
Fire ants build their mounds in sunny open spaces such as lawn and playgrounds. If disturbed they will attack and make their way onto whatever stationary surface they find. Fire ants are small ants and therefore may not be felt as they crawl onto your skin. Once they have crawled onto your body they will bite with their pinchers to secure a tight grip and then sting you from their abdomen and inject a toxic venom. Fire ants don't stop at one sting, they continue to sting, even stinging when they are out of venom. The aftermath of these stings is painful. Local reactions may include skin lesions and blisters, while systemic reactions can include seizures and even death. If you are stung by these creatures, there are some home remedies to ease the pain. However, if you are allergic or begin to show severe signs of stress, you should proceed to a medical facility immediately.
Instructions
1. Massage the area with warm soapy water, this will relieve the pain somewhat and begin to flush out the toxins. Applying an ice cube may reduce the pain and itching.
2. Apply USDA-grade peppermint oil and USDA-grade lavender oil repeatedly, and massage it into the bitten area.
3. Cover the bites with a paper towel and saturate with Worcestershire sauce. Leave the mixture on the skin as long as possible.
4. Draw a warm bath and add 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax. Submerge your body and soak until the bath water turns cold. The Borax will draw the venom out and provide some relief.
5. Crush aspirin and combine it with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste generously to the affected area the next day. Do not rub it in. Allow the mixture to sit on the skin as long as possible. Remove it with a warm, damp cloth.
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