Fire ants are red-brown and black in color, and size of ¼ inches in length. Their nests can usually be found in grass-covered areas like pastures, fields, and lawns.
Fire ants dwell in large numbers and can be very aggressive during attacks if their nests are disturbed. They don’t as much as a bite, as they sting. Fire ants attack in swarms and each fire ant can sting multiple times.
If you have been bitten by a fire ant, you will notice it instantly. The sting causes a burning sensation and leaves a group of swollen red spots that might develop a blister on top. Some people might have an allergic reaction to the sting, which includes:
- Being unable to breathe
- Unconsciousness
- Swelling of tongue
- Confusion
- Dizziness.
If you experience any of the above reactions, you need to get medical attention right away or else you need to follow home remedies.
Home remedies for treating fire ant stings
Cold Water
As soon you discover the sting, wash the area with cold water and soap. Gently clean the area to remove any dirt so that the area doesn’t get infected.
Ice Pack
Use an ice pack, or wrap a cube of ice in a towel, and press it on the affected region. Ice the sting for 15 minutes, followed by a 15-minute interval. Do not put ice directly onto the skin as it can get stuck to it.
Ice cubes can help prevent inflammation or swelling. It also provides a cooling effect on a burning sting, thereby relieving some of the pain.
Soap Bar
The easiest available treatment is an antiseptic soap bar. As soon as you realize that you have been stung by a fire ant, press the bar of soap gently and rub it on the affected area.
This will form a protective coating to stop infections and prevent bacteria from getting deeper inside the skin.
Pressing soap bar is also a good way to reduce pain, inflammation, and itching from the sting.
Lemon Juice
Lemon is a natural antiseptic and is used to treat problems related to the skin like a sunburn, bee stings, eczema and others. It can also be used in case of a fire ant sting.
It helps reduce the pain and the irritation that may be caused by the sting. Just squeeze a few lemons to get fresh and natural juice from them. Now apply it on the affected area of the skin. Wash with cold water after 20 – 30 minutes.
You can follow this method till you see some result from the tip.
Vinegar
Vinegar contains antibacterial properties. This naturally occurring property allows the vinegar to prevent any bacterial infection on the surface of the skin.
Mix vinegar with some water and apply it immediately after the fire ant stings. It will treat the irritating sensation felt the sting.
Toothpaste
Toothpaste is widely advocated for a number of problems, including burns, mosquito bites, and others. The presence of methanol or peppermint in toothpaste provides a cooling sensation when applied.
When applied on a fire ant sting, toothpaste will numb the area, providing you with a relief from pain and itching. It will counter the burning sensation of the sting with a cooling effect. It also stops the area from swelling as the application of toothpaste masks the histamine action.
Cucumber
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory properties which help to cool down any inflammation in your body, or on it. It is an effective remedy for instant relief from the sting.
If a fire ant stings you, take a cucumber, slice it into pieces and rub them on your skin. By gently massaging the affected area with cucumber, you will receive a relief from pain and irritation of the sting and experience a cooling sensation.
Salt
Salt works as a great exfoliate the skin, as it cleans the pores deep down. It also has antibacterial properties which prevent infection in the skin.
Mix salt with water to make a paste. Apply it on the skin properly to make a coat of it on the surface of the skin. The coat will prevent itching, swelling, and any possible infection while also keeping you from accidentally scratching it.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is basic in nature and applying it on the sting will restore the pH balance in the affected area of the skin.
Take some baking soda and mix it with water then stir to make a paste. Apply it on the affected areas and then make a thin coat of it, covering the entire area where the fire ants stung. Leave it on for some time. The paste will prevent itching and infection that might be caused due to the sting.
While these remedies are quite effective when dealing with normal fire ant sting reactions, remember that an allergic reaction can be dangerous to you and you should receive immediate medical attention.
And as much as possible, avoid those fiery red fire ants because they can be pretty aggressive.
