Natural Remedies for Fire Ants

Ants are unpleasant. Stinging fire ants are especially troublesome, if not dangerous. Unlike other types of ants, fire ants build their homes amid brush and vegetation, making them difficult to identify and avoid. The bite of a small fire ant releases venomous poison known as piperidine into the victim's skin that causes stinging, itching and eventually a small white blister within 24 hours. Small children are especially vulnerable to fire ant stings, as the insect builds most of its nests in grassy lawns and parks.

Reduce Swelling

• Elevate the limb and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce blood flow and control swelling. Remove the cold compress every few minutes to give your skin some relief and avoid aggravation.

Clean the Bites

• Gently wash the bitten area with cold water and antibacterial soap before rinsing thoroughly. Antibacterial soap removes bacteria and dirt from the surface of the injured skin and prevents possible infection. Wash the blisters using this same method if they burst or the victim scratches them open.

Baking Soda

• Mix 3 tsp. of baking soda and 1 tsp. of water into a paste. Apply the paste directly over the bitten skin and let it dry. Remake and reapply this paste mixture several times a day until the swelling decreases.

Oatmeal

• Oatmeal helps protect and moisturize skin stung by fire ants. Cool a bowl of oatmeal and apply a thin layer to the swollen skin every few hours until swelling decreases.

Allergic Reactions

• Seek medical help immediately if the victim experiences allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, dizziness or swelling of the throat. Allergic shock can be fatal without treatment.