Fire ants can turn a blissful afternoon outside into an itchy, burning stream of misery. An attack from a fire ant typically causes instant, intense pain. The pain quickly gives way to itching and skin irritation that lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
Although it looks as though fire ants bite when they attack, the correct term to use is sting. As a result, we will use the word sting instead of bite in this article.
For most people, fire ant stings are little more than an inconvenience. However, some stings can produce intense pain and itching.
Rove beetle, paapa, etc, are dangerous Insects Species that are similar to ants from the appearance. These insects that have scientific name Paederus riparius are often called Tomcat and seem like a harmless insect.
Tomcat has color red and black on its body. Although it seems like ants, but this insect could cause wound when we have physical contact with it. The Tomcat body size is about 7-8 mm. Tomcat has paederin toxins that can causes burns on human skin.
Tomcat toxin concentration is 12 times more venomous than cobra venom , but only when it gets into your blood stream. These toxins can last even eight years after the insect dies. This beetle like the light at night, so many victims are motorcyclists, or those who are in homes with bright light or those who camping near the forest.This beetle is attracted to light, so you Should avoid being too close to the light bulbs or minimize the use of light near the door and windows.
HOW THE TOXIN WORKS:
The toxin actually works, The Tomcat releases the toxin on anything it touches, especially human skin. Direct contact is not needed to experience skin discomfort or irritation however as the toxin can be left behind on your towels, furniture or other things in your house.
Secondhand contact might not cause the same level of irritation as direct contact but it is still wise to be precautious especially if you have seen them hanging around your house as of late.
Preventing contact and irritation if you do come in contact with one
This first rule of the Tomcat is much different than almost any other insect out there. DON’T SQUASH IT! No matter how much you hate creepy crawly insects, try to resist the urge to smash it and grind it. You might end up with less irritation rubbing that sambal directly on your skin. Even crushing the insect with shoes or sandals on is not a great idea because it can spread the toxin into the air and will definitely be left behind on your shoe.
Your best bet is to keep some insect repellent around your house and if you come into contact with one, spray it until it isn’t moving anymore. Then you can pick it with some tools, keeping the insect far away from your skin. Disposing of it in the toilet is your best bet, just like you would with a tick. After that, thoroughly wash your hands and other places or materials that came in contact with the Tomcat.
Use mosquito nets, aerosol spray or a mixture of organic pesticides from laos, neem leaves, and lemongrass to kill the incoming beetles.
If there is Tomcat that already landed on the skin, do not kill it in the body, but blow until it left.
HOW TO CURE THE WOUND
If the skin is in contact with these insects, burning sensation will arises then your skin will turn into red followed by the appearance of pus in the center of the wound in few days.
Do not scratch wounds, because the venom can even move to another part of the skin over the wound fluid. However, if the injury occurs in the eye area and mucous membranes, you should immediately see a doctor. With treatment, the wound will usually be better within 10 days to three weeks until the scars is gone. However, the wound can’t be gone if it involves dermis.
Victims are also advised to avoid the sun so it will not cause inflammation that causes dark marks on skin.
Most people don't need medical treatment for The treatment of WASMANNIA AUROPUNCTATA sting, if breathing is normal and the sting victim is not known to have a serious ant sting allergy, the following home remedies can be effective:
1. immediately wash the infected area with soap and water. If skin reaction occurs, wash with mild antiseptic pemanganate diluted potassium (Kmn04) such as hydrocortisone 1% and weak steroid creams and antibiotics such as neomycin sulfate betametasone 5%.
2. Do not scratch wounds, because the venom can even move to another part of the skin over the wound fluid. However, if the injury occurs in the eye area and mucous membranes, you should immediately see a doctor. With treatment, the wound will usually be better within 10 days to three weeks until the scars is gone. However, the wound can’t be gone if it involves dermis.
3. Applying cold compresses to reduce swelling - 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
Using a hydrocortisone cream on the skin to relieve itching.
4. Taking an antihistamine to manage minor, localized allergic reactions and itching.
5. Applying a triple antibiotic ointment to the stings can help prevent infection in stings that have been opened by scratching.
6. Taking an oatmeal bath to reduce itching
It is important to resist the urge to scratch the stings. Scratching can open the blisters and cause infection.
Many of these treatments are available for purchase over the counter or online, including hydrocortisone cream ,
antihistamine , and triple antibiotic ointment.
Medical remedies for fire ant stings
Breathing difficulties, changes in consciousness, severe swelling, and similar symptoms within an hour of the sting require emergency medical care. Emergency treatment with epinephrine can reverse the reaction.
Attacking a fire ant mound is likely to provoke an attack from the ants within.
The following steps can help prevent fire ant stings and reduce their severity:
1.Moving out of an area immediately if bitten by a fire ant or fire ants are found on the body
2. Wearing protective clothing like thick socks and boots while working outdoors
3. Avoiding work in or around fire ant mounds
4. Using insect repellents designed to deter fire ants.
Interestingly, it might sting you unknowingly, I.e showing no reactions on your skin,as a result of this,highlighted below are signs and symptoms of Paapa ants;
1.dizziness
ii.difficulty swallowing
iii.nausea.
Source: IUCNI
YEKEEN,habeebullahi
Researcher
Public health enthusiast
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