How can one avoid fire ant bites?

Red imported fire ants are characterized by an aggressive defensive behavior and can inflict a painful sting when disturbed. That defensive behavior is a severe threat to public health. For instance, anaphylactic shock can result from components in the fire ant venom. If you observe fire ant colonies in the field, do not disturb them. In your garden, yard, or other areas, spray synthetic pyrethroids or other insecticides along the route that fire ants use to walk. In addition to that, you can create a ‘’protection zone’’ by spraying insecticide around the windows and doors to prevent fire ants possibly entering your dwelling. If there are grasslands or turf around the house, long-term toxic bait application can effectively protect against the invasion of fire ants. However, it is recommended to replace the bait at fixed intervals of time.

In agro-ecosystems, farmers can wear boots to protect themselves and try not to disturb fire ant mounds.

Reactions to being stung

The sting site hurts for few minutes, and the skin turns red. In most people, a white fluid-filled pustule forms at the site of the bite within a few hours to a day after a bite. These pustules will last for several days and may become secondarily infected by bacteria, which requires medical treatment.




Bite and sting treatment

1. Use ice on the bitten area and wash with water and soap.

2. Follow the doctor’s instructions. Use topical cream containing steroids or a paste containing an antihistamine to reduce the pain and prevent swelling.

3. Do not break the pustule in order to prevent secondary infection.

4. If a sting causes severe chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling, or a slurred voice, the patient should immediately be taken to the hospital.

What can people do if they observe fire ants?

        In addition to knowing how the RIFA affects human health and how to avoid bites, people in southern Taoyuan County , and area of Taipei , Hsinchu, and Chiayi should be more aware and regularly informed about the situation. People can call a special telephone number (0800-095590) to get updated information. Furthermore, people should pay more attention to the soil and plantations infested by fire ants that have been transported to the area.