How Does a Fire Ant Bite?
Symptoms Between 35 to 40 percent of people who live in areas where fire ants live are bitten each year. Fire ants are very aggressive and usually bite in groups. They are so tiny, however, that many people don’t notice them until they’ve been bitten. Once stung, 15 percent of victims will suffer from a severe allergic reaction. They will develop hives, major swelling, shortness of breath and may even fall into a coma or go into shock. Most people, however, experience a burning or itching sensation at the site of the bite, followed shortly by the development of a red bump sometimes filled with white pus. These welts can last for weeks. Not only are fire ants aggressive, but they are also stubborn. They will continue to try to bite long after the danger has passed, even when there is no longer any venom in their sacks. How They Bite Fire ants use their sharp, claw-like mandibles to bite. They bite deeply, getting a firm grip so that they can raise their hindquarters to sting. While fire
