Fire ants can sting causing severe wheals susceptible to infection; some people are allergic to the venom of these insects and can experience dangerous negative reactions in case of a sting. Fire ants are commonly found in outdoor and sun-exposed areas such as lawns, playgrounds, parks and near roadside; you can avoid being attacked by paying attention to where you step when you are out and about by learning to recognize nests.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Protect yourself
Step 1. Pay attention to the areas you walk in
Most people get bitten by fire ants because they don't control where they put their feet; by observing the terrain you can save yourself a painful and dangerous attack. Just stay a few seconds on an anthill to be stung.
- When walking in an area frequented by these insects, look at the ground you walk on.
- Proceed with caution when stopping to gaze at the view, take photographs, sleep in tents, or sit on the ground around a campfire.
Step 2. Don't disturb the anthills
One of the simplest ways to avoid problems is to leave the mounds of earth that indicate the presence of the nest alone; beating them, you agitate the insects that leave their shelter by the hundreds. Observe the path you are walking on and, if you are near a nest, try to go around it without stepping on it.
Even simply standing next to the anthill puts you at risk of being attacked, as some specimens may be on the surrounding ground
Step 3. Carefully lift items off the ground
Fire ants congregate under the elements found on the ground; when you pick up a log, trash, or dead animal, make sure it's not covered in these insects.
Tap the object with your foot to see if any ants escape; wear gloves as you slowly lift it to make sure there are no bugs hidden underneath
Step 4. Put on protective clothing
Garments that completely cover the skin minimize the risk of stings. Socks, long pants or tights represent a barrier between the skin of your legs and insects, avoiding bites or reducing the number of specimens that manage to injure you; if you live in an infested area, wear protective clothing.
The legs are the areas most prone to being stung when you step on a nest; if you touch something on the ground, be sure to wear a long-sleeved shirt or gloves
Step 5. Use repellent
By spraying it on your shoes and clothes you can minimize the risk of stings. Choose a product that contains DEET or icaridin and apply it to footwear, socks and trouser legs; if you are going to pick up items from the ground, spray it on your gloves and shirt sleeves as well.
Step 6. Spread some exits for the fire ants
Preventing infestations is a surefire way to avoid stings, as there are no insects around that can attack. By placing bait you can kill the colony and the queen; sprinkle them in the garden and near the anthill.
Apply baits in both spring and fall
Step 7. Be very cautious when outdoors with children
The little ones can disturb a nest out of curiosity or because they are attracted to it and can cover themselves with ants within a few seconds. When your kids are playing outdoors, check them out and explain the dangers of a fire ant colony to them.
Be aware of the areas where you leave strollers, carts or baby carriers; if you place them near a nest or an infested area, the ants can attack the baby
Method 2 of 3: Reduce the Risk of Stings
Step 1. If you see an ant on your body, stay calm
Move away from the area where there are insects and go to an area that is not infested; it could be another part of the park or field away from the anthill.
Step 2. Sweep away the ants that walk on you
These insects have very strong jaws that can penetrate the skin. If you see or feel a specimen walking on your body, rub it off as soon as possible. Maybe you can get rid of it before it bites you or anchors itself to the skin with its jaws; push it away from the limbs by pushing it towards the hands or feet.
Step 3. Remove clothing immediately
If you find that you have bugs on your body, take off your clothes immediately and shake all clothes, shoes and socks included; fire ants can hide in the folds of fabrics for hours. If you are concerned that you have been exposed to a colony, carefully inspect your clothing.
Step 4. Don't use water to get rid of ants
You may be led to believe that rinsing with water can get rid of these insects; in truth you can only make things worse. Water causes them to bite harder and sting even more.
Method 3 of 3: Recognizing Fire Ants' Nests
Step 1. Recognize the anthills
By spotting them, you can avoid them and protect yourself from bites. Fire ant nests are typically large, can reach a height of 45cm and a diameter of 30cm.
They have no holes on the top that allow insects to enter or exit; the ants re-enter their homes from underground tunnels
Step 2. Be especially cautious in sunny areas
These insects love to build their nests in areas exposed to sunlight or near food sources; you can find them around tree stumps, along sidewalks, near trees, at the roadside or near rotten logs. They can also take up residence in flower beds, sports fields and play areas.
- In Italy the risk of encountering this insect is minimal, given that it is native to tropical environments, but the phenomenon of climate change is causing the colonies to expand almost everywhere, to the point of representing a health emergency in the United States. Generally speaking, fire ants love mild climates with a constant rate of humidity.
- In the United States there is a biological control project against these insects, it seems that some varieties tend to parasitize others, thus controlling the population.
Step 3. Inspect the area for signs of these ants
Generally, they live in any sunny area where there is grass, wood or crops; you can meet them on trees and even in the water. Before working or spending time in an outdoor area, take a reconnaissance tour to make sure it is safe.
- Recognizing anthills is useful to ensure your safety; even if you can't find the nest, knowing that these insects are nearby causes you to be more alert, to pay attention to where you step or what you touch.
- Look around rotting stumps, trees and branches for fire ants; you may even find them in picnic areas, near garbage cans and along the roadside.
Step 4. Learn to recognize them
To avoid getting stung, you should know what insects are to stay away from. The fire ants have a variable size between 3 and 6 mm and a more intense red color than the other varieties; they are red-brown and black.
