You’re all set to enjoy a lovely afternoon at the park. You plop down on your blanket, open your book and, before you’ve read one paragraph, you leap to your feet, shouting in pain. You look down to see what caused this terrible sting on your ankle and discover your shoe is covered in swarming red dots—fire ants. You picked the wrong place to picnic, and now they’re angry. You wonder, “What’s the best method for fire ant removal in Bartlesville, OK?” Read on to find out.
What They’re Doing
Don’t take it personally. If you disturb a fire ant hill, even accidentally, the colony considers you a threat. Worker fire ants charge at any threat and begin to bite and sting. They clamp their jaws onto the skin, then they start stinging. As they hold on with their mouths, they sting repeatedly to inject venom in an attempt to protect their mound.
Their bite and sting cause an intense burning sensation. The site also swells, turns red and itches. In a few hours, the red bump will become a blister that usually lasts for over a week.
How to Stop What They’re Doing
If you find yourself under attack from an irritated colony of fire ants, you must proceed with caution. Don’t try to brush them off with your hands. They can simply chomp down on your fingers and cling there instead. Brush them off briskly using gloves or a sleeve. Don’t try to use water to wash them away. The stream of liquid only makes them clamp down harder in an attempt to stay in place. Keep these methods in mind if helping other people or pets with fire ant removal in Bartlesville, OK.
How to Treat What They Did
Once you’ve escaped their clutches, you’ll probably have several fire ant bites to treat. Typically, their venom is only life-threatening if you have a severe allergic reaction. For most people, pain relievers and cold packs will provide effective treatment. If you experience loss of breath, chest pain, severe sweating or nausea, seek emergency medical assistance right away.
How to Avoid Them in the Future
Of course, the best solution is to avoid these painful stings in the first place. The most common reason people have unpleasant encounters with fire ants is due to a lack of awareness. Use the following tips to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid fire ants:
- When outdoors, keep an eye out for ant mounds and avoid standing on or disturbing them.
- Watch where you park wheelchairs and strollers.
- Don’t leave babies or baby carriers on the ground for long.
- If you’re going to be outdoors where fire ants might be present, wear boots and tuck pant legs into your socks.
- Apply insect repellent to your shoes and clothes.
- If you discover ants on your property, contact professionals for ant removal in Bartlesville, OK.
Who to Call
For expert ant removal in Bartlesville, OK, contact the pros at Excellence Pest Control. Our team is ready to rid your property of all unwanted pests—and help you avoid those pesky stings.