Fire ants have a potent sting. It's the reason people call them “fire” ants”. The workers clamp their jaws in the victim's skin and then swivel their abdomen so they can deliver the sting. To make matters worse, they can keep stinging until they have used up all their venom.
People get small blisters at the site of each sting. If the victim breaks the blisters by scratching, they may become infected. For some people, the greater risk is that they will have an allergic reaction to the venom.
The first step in first aid is to brush the ants off of the victim. After that, first aid focuses on relieving the pain and skin irritation. Experts recommend giving the victim an antihistamine and applying an anti-itch skin cream.
Many people prefer to use “home remedies” for stings from insects like fire ants. Some of these remedies are simple, natural things like the juice from the leaves of the aloe plant. Some people report using a paste of baking soda and water that they apply to the stings. Other people report that they use oil of lavender, tea tree oil, or other plant extracts.
Some people report using some very different “home remedies”. One person reported that his favorite remedy was a mixture of bleach and water. Another person suggested using a paste of salt and water. Still another person recommended using a paste of meat tenderizer and water. Experts suggest checking with the doctor before trying a “home remedy” for fire ant stings.
A few people have an allergic reaction to the fire ant venom. This can take the form of a rash or it can be more serious. Some people experience tightness in the chest or swelling of the face and throat. A few people get dizzy and become unconscious. Every year fire ant stings cause a few fatalities.
Experts suggest keeping a sting victim under close observation. If the victim shows signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention. People who work outdoors and come into contact with fire ants often carry a device that they can use to give themselves an injection if they are stung.