Overview

Fire ants are wingless insects that belong to the same family of insects as bees and wasps. Fire ants are found in the southeastern and south-central United States, especially along the Gulf Coast. They tend to attack and sting in great numbers.

A fire ant attaches itself to a person by biting with its jaws. Then, pivoting its head, it stings from its belly in a circular pattern at multiple sites. Symptoms of a fire ant sting may include:

• A painful raised bump that becomes a pus-filled blister in 6 to 24 hours and lasts for up to 10 days.
• Skin at the bite site that dies and leaves a scar or bump.
• A severe life-threatening allergic reaction.
• A toxic reaction when there have been 20 or more stings.
• Redness and swelling extending beyond the sting site.
• Serum sickness, a rare reaction to stings. Flu-like symptoms and hives (Figure 1) begin 7 to 14 days after an insect sting.

Home treatment can help relieve pain and prevent infection. Severe reactions require emergency medical treatment.

Figure 1 - Hives

Most hives (urticaria) are an allergic skin reaction that appears as raised, red, itchy bumps of different shapes and sizes. Patches of hives may combine to form raised, reddened skin over large areas of the body. Hives are often minor, but they can also be the first sign of a life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) that requires emergency care.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.