How many types of ants are there in our homes and gardens? How many types have we seen, such as the ants, the black ants, the red ants, etc. Although most of these types of ants do not cause us much trouble, there are some types of ants whose bites are very painful and can be dangerous to our health. One such dangerous type of ants is the "Black Fire Ants". Fortunately, this type of ants is not commonly seen in our country. However, it is very important to know about them, especially for those who travel to foreign countries. So let's see who these fire ants are, the damage they can cause, and what we should do in case of a bite.
Who are these black fire ants?
The scientific name of these black fire ants is `Solenopsis richteri`. Although they may look like ordinary ants found in our country at first glance, they have several special characteristics that can be used to identify them.
Simply put, this is how you identify an ant:
- There are six legs .
- There are two antennas .
- The body is black or dark brown . This is the easiest way to identify them.
- There is a yellow spot -like mark on the back end of the abdomen (belly).
Like other fire ants, they have both male and female ants. The females are the ones who perform specialized tasks as "queen" and "worker" ants. It is these adult ants that bite and bother us.
The lifestyle and habitat of these ants
Like many insects, black fire ants have several life stages. That is, eggs, several larval stages (instars), a pupa stage, and finally the adult stage.
These are actually native to South America. But due to human activities, they have now spread to some states in the United States (for example, Mississippi and Alabama). They prefer to live in open grassy areas, such as gardens and meadows. They choose moist soil to build their large anthills (tumbas).
Imagine a large anthill in your backyard. A fire anthill can grow to be about 3 feet tall and wide. If someone steps on it or pokes it with a stick, the entire swarm of ants will come out and attack you. That's their most dangerous trait.
What are the health risks of being bitten by a fire ant?
This is where we need to be most careful. Fire ants' stings are very painful. That's because of their venom.
The important thing is that a female fire ant doesn't just sting once. She sticks to the skin and stings seven or eight times in a circle around the same spot. If several ants attack at once, a large number of bites can occur in a short period of time.
Let's take a look at the common symptoms of a fire ant bite.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Inflammation and severe pain | It causes burning and unbearable pain, as if a spark had struck it. This is probably why the name "fire ant" was coined. |
| Swelling and redness | The bitten area becomes swollen and red. |
| Water-filled blisters | After a day or two, small blisters (pustules) filled with white fluid will form at the site of the bite. These may last for weeks. |
| Severe allergy (Anaphylaxis) | This is the most dangerous situation . Some people develop a severe allergic reaction to this ant venom. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, and throat, and dizziness. This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. |
Who is most at risk?
People who are already known to have allergies to wasp and hornet venom are more likely to have a severe reaction to fire ant venom. Also, young children and the elderly are at higher risk.
What do we do if we get bitten by a fire ant?
Okay, now we come to the most important part. What do we do if we get bitten by a fire ant? The treatment depends on how severe the reaction is.
What to do in case of a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis)
This is the first thing to think about. If someone is showing symptoms of a severe allergy, it means:
- If you are having difficulty breathing
- If your face, lips, or tongue swells
- If you feel dizzy or vomit,
- If a rash appears all over the skin
Immediately, without delay, take the person to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). This could be a life-or-death situation, so quick action is essential.
First aid for a minor bite
Most of the time, there is a slight reaction. In such a case, do these things.
| First aid for a minor bite | |
|---|---|
| 1. Clean the area | Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and clean water. This will help remove the venom and prevent infection. |
| 2. Make a cold compress | Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply them to the bite for about 10 minutes. This will reduce pain and swelling. |
| 3. Painkillers | If the pain is severe, you can take a painkiller like paracetamol. However, it is best to consult your doctor before using any medication. |
A very important tip: Never pop, pick, or scratch the white blisters (pustules) that appear after a bite. They contain a sterile fluid. If you pop them, the wound can become infected and leave a scar. So let them heal on their own.
If you have any urgent questions or concerns about this, you can also call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- The sting of black fire ants is very painful and their venom can be dangerous.
- The biggest risk is a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), with symptoms including difficulty breathing and facial swelling.
- If such severe symptoms occur, immediately go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
- In the case of a minor bite, wash the area with soap, apply ice, and if there is pain, take a painkiller as directed by a doctor.
- Never break the blisters that form at the bite site. This can lead to infection.
- In any case, if you have any doubts or concerns, do not hesitate to consult your family doctor (doctor) for advice.
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