I don't know what he's saying, but you can't fix stupid!!!!

I stepped on a mound of fire ants in Florida outside of our house. They sting like crazy. I went to the local walk-in clinic just in case there was something that I needed to do to prevent infection or whatever and the doctor told me that they secrete a venom and that is what causes the burning. He gave me an injection of something that I can't remember that takes care of a person's central nervous system, if they are allergic to the sting. Maybe epinephrine? Anyway, I followed with simple baking soda and a little water to make a paste and applied that to the sting area. It took a few days to calm down, but thankfully, I had no problems with breathing or any other issues. From that day on, I always wear at least my slides when I go outside.
 
We don't have fire ants but our red bull ants produce intense pain. Ants inject formic acid and to neutralise it you need an alkaline treatment. Carb soda (sodium bicarbonate) is very good but another treatment is old fashioned blue bag that our mothers used in the final washing rinse water to keep the whites sparkling.

blue-bag.jpg


You need water as well, which is why I always carried a water bottle and some blue bag when I was out hiking. I had to use it once and it worked very quickly when my young son decided to take a rest on an ants' nest. They had run up inside his jeans and he had multiple bites.
 
Dame...If I am not mistaken, not all ants inject an acid. Some do inject a venom, such as fire ants. When I was stung, I was given a pamphlet to read and it mentioned that I was injected with venom and not formic acid. I will have to Google this to make sure that I know what I am talking about is correct.
 
I was bitten in Uganda. Some called them fire ants, some called them safari ants. We would go for walks with our trousers tucked into our socks so they couldn't climb up our legs. I've seen people on guided walks drop their trousers in order to get the ants off!
 
oldman said:
Dame...If I am not mistaken, not all ants inject an acid. Some do inject a venom, such as fire ants. When I was stung, I was given a pamphlet to read and it mentioned that I was injected with venom and not formic acid. I will have to Google this to make sure that I know what I am talking about is correct.
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You are correct, oldman. I looked it up and fire ant venom contains a compound known as piperidine. It is found in barley and black pepper and is used as a flavouring agent. It is apparently a strong base, not an acid. It is not only painful but can cause anaphylaxis. Recommended treatment is as follows

Home treatment depends on the location of, and reaction to, the sting.

Wash the exposed area with plenty of soap and water. Do not use alcohol to wash the area. Wash eyes with plenty of water if any toxin gets in them.

For mild stings, place ice (wrapped in a washcloth or other suitable covering) on the bite area for 10 minutes and then off for 10 minutes. Repeat this process. If the patient has circulatory problems, decrease the time to prevent possible damage to the skin.

Some people are allergic to fire ant venom. If the reaction is severe, seek immediate medical help and call your local emergency number (such as 911) or poison control.

Those who have an allergy to insect bites or stings should carry a bee sting kit (which requires a prescription) and become familiar with how to use it in the event of an emergency.
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That's dumber than dumb!!! What did he expect to happen or was he one of those with the attitude "It won't happen to me"?
 

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