How to Take the Sting Out of Fire Ant Bites

Fire-ant bites can cause some very uncomfortable itching and burning. The ants are reddish-brown and about 1/4-inch long. Living in underground tunnels, fire ants can be seen coming in and out of large white mounds; they are very territorial. Fire ants can pivot as they sting, causing circles of bites to form on your skin. The bites are initially raised and red, turning into pustules in about three days.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Ice
• Washcloth
• Topical steroid ointment or hydrocortisone cream
• Antihistamine

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the bites with soap and water. Rub the area well plenty of soap to remove as much of the venom as possible. Avoid scratching, which will only cause more damage.

• 2

  Place ice into a washcloth and leave on the bites for 10 minutes. Wait 10 minutes, then replace the ice pack for 10 minutes again. If possible, elevate the area that has been stung.

• 3

  Apply a topical steroid ointment or hydrocortisone cream to the affected areas or try an anesthetic spray that contains benzocaine.

• 4

  Take an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce swelling, itching, burning and other allergic reaction symptoms.