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Human
Medical Impact
Symptoms of
Fire Ant Sting
Common
Symptoms
- Burning
- Itching
- White
pustule in 24-48 hours
Treatment
of Common Symptoms
- Treat
stings with over the counter products to relieve insect stings.
- Do
not scratch area because sting can be easily infected and leave
permanent scar.
Rare
Severe Symptoms
(Typically in people who are allergic to bee stings)
- Severe
chest pain
- Nausea
- Severe
sweating
- Loss
of breath
- Serious
swelling
- Slurred
speech
Treatment
of Severe Symptoms
- Call
911 or Take to Emergency Room immediately
Precautionary
Measures
- Teach
children and visitors about fire ants and their hazards.
- Wear
protective clothing during outdoor activities.
- Treat
stings with insect bite remedy that eases pain and protects
against pain.
- Control
fire ants in areas used most frequently by people and pets.
- Use
insect repellents on clothing and footwear (the treatments can
temporarily discourage foraging ants).
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Click
on link to go to source of Image
Pustules,
blisters formed following fire ant sting on hand
Pustules,
blisters formed following fire ant sting, close-up
Pustules,
blisters formed following fire ant sting on ankle
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Urban
Impact
| Direct |
Nuisance |
- Stings
uncomfortable
- Fear
of stings deter activities
- Invasion
of stored food or home
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| Economic |
- Reduced
property values
- Structural
damage
- Equipment
(electrical) damage
- Damage
to lawns, ornamentals, and gardens problems with pets
(see domestic animals)
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| Indirect |
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- Pesticide
overuse
- Expense
and time with use of non effective products
- Expense
and time for only temporary management
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Agricultural
Impact
Legal
and Political Problems
Legal |
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Political |
- Differences
as to who should deal with the ant
- Differences
as to how to deal with the ant
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Industrial
Problems
A |
 Impact the function of equipment involved in:
- Communication
- Electrical
distribution
- Transportation
(traffic control)
- Cooling
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B |
Short
circuits can lead to fire |
C |
Bore
through waste containment liners |
D |
Damage
to outdoor ground-placed industrial
lighting |
Wildlife
Problems
A |
Damage
seeds and alter plant assemblages
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B |
Become
dominate invertebrate predators |
C |
Reduce
invertebrate fauna |
D |
Alter
ecological balance (simplify) |
E |
Impact
endangered species |
F |
Interfere
with hunting and fishing
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G |
Reduce
utilization of parks and recreation areas |
H |
Reduce
tourism |
Source:
Vinson, S. B. 1997. "Invasion of the Red Imported Fire
Ant", Amer. Ent. vol 43 No 1 pp23-39.
Courtesy of The Entomological Society of America.
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