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Submitted 276 days ago...

grandmother

grandmother

Authority (413)

Red Ant Bite Remedy Please!

From time to time we have a problem with red ants in our kitchen. They must be under the foundation or in the woodwork or something. If a tasty crumb or two falls to the floor, they are on it. Ok so we've sprayed for the varmits and they've not been back for awhile but I do have a question with regard to being bitten by the little pests! For whatever reason, they are drawn to me. They don't just bite if they are trapped. In fact, the last time I was bitten, I had my moccasins on and the ant was sitting on top of my foot (not under the moccasin at all) when it bit me. I lifted my loosely fitting sweat pant to find the darn thing there. I experienced being bitten by the same type of ant when there was an issue with them in my office at work. I have a terrible reaction to the toxins left by them and it takes several weeks for the itching and burning to finally go away. I've tried witch hazel and rubbing alcohol and sometimes have taken benadryl. I've even placed those detox foot patches on it for several nights hoping they would suck all of the toxins out of the area. Of course it's difficult not to scratch (I know.....terrible coming from an adult but I do most of it when I'm half asleep). Is there something that I can apply to the site of the bite immediately after it has taken place that will help it to heal quicker and remove the toxins (short of slicing it open like a snake bite and sucking the poison out? LOL)

 
 
 
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Submitted 276 days ago...

Ruchele

Ruchele

Brain (3,118)

Stings from fire ants are caused by their sensitivity to movement or vibration. So this leads me to believe you may have accidently brought these invaders into your home in a plant, package, or other source. Because they do not usally live where the ground freezes in winter, they will set up house around heat pipes and concrete foundations. You should put a few in a jar to be examined by a university or county entamologist, as finding ways to destroy infiliterated Fire ants in Colorado hinges on knowing where they are setting up house.

No specific treatment is prescribed for fire ant bites. However if certain symptoms exist, medical attention may be necessary.

For ordinary local stings, it is recommended that you apply cold compressions and oral antihistamines. Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as Corticosteroids are also good for mild irritations.

If you do have several stings, systemic (oral) corticosteroid is necessary to ease the allergic reactions.


Avoid applying strongly scented lotions and wearing brightly colored apparel. Fire ants tend to approach strong scents easily.


This answer was edited by Ruchele 276 days ago.

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Submitted 275 days ago...

grandmother

grandmother

Authority (413)

Thanks Ruchele for your detailed response and information about the behaviour and homing tendancies of these ants. I'll certainly heed your recommendation should they re-appear (and I hope they don't!). My last bite from nearly 3 weeks ago is just now almost healed. Nasty little things! Have to be so careful to keep an eye out for them especially now with a newborn in the house. With my reaction to them, I'd hate to think what his may be.

Thanks again!

 
 

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Ruchele

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Brain (3,118)

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