How to Treat Fire Ant Stings

Fire ant stings can be painful and uncomfortable, but most people don’t require medical attention for them. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce the pain and itching, as well as promote faster healing. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to the sting may occur. We have gathered some answers to common questions you may have when dealing with fire ant stings.

Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes, then rest for 20 minutes. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling. Place a cold compress on the sting for 20 minutes, then remove it and rest for 20 minutes. Repeat this process until the skin feels calmer and the swelling decreases.

• To make a cold compress, place ice cubes in a plastic bag. Dampen a cloth under cold water and wrap it around the ice bag. Apply the compress directly to the skin.

Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. You can buy over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream at any pharmacy. Apply the cream to the affected area when stung by fire ants to alleviate itching and discomfort.

• You can also use calamine lotion to treat itching.

Try using a mixture of water and baking soda on the sting. This home remedy can help reduce itching, swelling, and redness. Mix water and baking soda in a 1:1 ratio to form a paste. Apply this mixture to the sting several times a day until the symptoms subside.

Take antihistamines to help reduce itching. Antihistamine medications for allergies can relieve itching. You can take one tablet every 8-12 hours as needed.

The initial pain and burning sensation will subside within approximately 10 minutes. When bitten by fire ants, the pain you experience will be slightly less intense than that from a bee sting. The burning sensation will gradually fade, followed by itching on the skin. This itching may last for several weeks after the sting.

• It is normal for the affected skin area to continue swelling during the first 24 hours after being stung by a fire ant.

A pustule resembling a pimple will form within 24 hours and disappear after 3 days. For most people, these pustules will dry up completely within a few weeks. Once dried, they may leave a brown scar, which can persist for months or even longer.

• Don't be alarmed if the area where the fire ant sting occurred becomes red after the pustule forms. This is normal and doesn't indicate infection.

No, do not pop the pustule that forms in the center of the fire ant bite. Popping the blister increases the risk of infection. It's also important to avoid scratching the fire ant stings, as this could cause the blisters to break and make them more vulnerable to infection.

• If the blister breaks open, wash the wound with soapy water and monitor for signs of infection. You may also apply antibiotic ointment to open stings. This ointment is available over-the-counter at pharmacies.
• If the area where the fire ant stung you changes color or begins to ooze pus, it may be infected. Seek medical attention immediately.

Fire ants inject venom into the skin. Fire ants use their mandibles to latch onto the skin of their victim, then sting and inject venom. This is what causes the initial burning sensation and swelling afterwards.

• Fire ant stings are typically more painful and cause more swelling during the summer, when fire ants have the highest concentration of venom.

Though rare, it is possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to fire ant stings include: hives, itching, and swelling in areas beyond the sting site, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, tongue, and lips, or difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms after being stung, go to the emergency room or hospital immediately.

• Allergic reaction symptoms typically occur within 30-40 minutes after the sting.
• In the most severe cases, the person may go into anaphylactic shock, leading to dizziness, fainting, and heart failure if not treated promptly.
• If you already know you're allergic to fire ant (or bee) stings, you may carry an epinephrine pen, also known as epi-pen (epinephrine), which you can use yourself or have someone administer for you, and then head straight to the hospital.

If you find fire ants on your body, leave the area immediately. Most people get stung by fire ants after accidentally stepping on or sitting on a fire ant mound, causing hundreds of ants to swarm to protect their nest. If you notice any fire ants on your body, your first step should be to stand up and leave the area as quickly as possible.

• If you feel the ants stinging you, leave immediately to prevent more ants from crawling on you and stinging you further.

Shaking off fire ants that are clinging to the skin. Fire ants use their mandibles to latch onto the skin before they actually sting. Quickly use your hand or a cloth to wipe over the skin to shake off the ants before they have a chance to sting.

• Even if you jump into water or spray with a hose, you won't be able to shake off the ants if they have already latched onto the skin with their mandibles.
• If you think fire ants might be crawling into your clothes, you should immediately remove your clothing.