European Fire Ants are non-native, social insects that live in colonies made up of one or more queens and their offspring. They aggressively protect their colonies by stinging people and animals that disturb their nests. European Fire Ant stings can result in a mild allergic reaction but may cause a more severe reaction in sensitive individuals that could lead to anaphylactic shock.
What should I do if I’m stung by a European Fire Ant?
Treatment
European Fire ant stings cause a temporary, painful burning sensation and can leave behind an itchy, raised welt or a fluid-filled pustule within a day or two. While generally not severe, a sting can cause allergic reactions, including severe anaphylaxis. If you are stung by a European Fire ant:
- Wash the site thoroughly with soap and water.
- Apply ice to reduce swelling.
- Take an over-the-counter antihistamine or apply antihistamine creams to reduce itching if necessary.
- Watch for symptoms of infection over the next several days. Symptoms include increasing redness, swelling, or pain.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to insect stings can be deadly. People with known allergies to insect stings should always carry an anaphylaxis kit and wear a medical ID bracelet or necklace stating their allergy.
Call 911 if any of these signs occur:
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
- Swelling anywhere on the face or in the mouth.
- Throat tightness or difficulty swallowing.
- Feeling faint or dizziness.
- Turning blue.
What do European Fire Ants look like?
These ants are reddish in color with shiny abdomens and range in size from ¼” to ½”.
Where are European Fire Ants found in Washington?
European Fire Ants are originally from Europe and were first identified in Maine in 1908. Over the past century, they have spread to other states, Canada, and arrived in the Pacific Northwest in the early 2000s. While these ants have been primarily detected around the Seattle area, it is possible that they could be found elsewhere in Washington.
How will climate change impact European Fire Ants?
European Fire Ants build their nests in soil and wetlands. The warming conditions of climate change may expand suitable fire ant habitat by creating warmer and more humid conditions that could help increase their survival and distribution. These ants are heavily influenced by human activity, which can also aid in spreading European Fire Ants to new areas.
Where are European Fire Ants found and how do they search for food?
These ants can be commonly found anywhere food or food waste accumulates and where people are present. They also like to build their colonies in the soil of potted plants, which makes it easier to spread the ants from one location to another.
Foraging or scouting ants can either be alone or in a trail of ants between the nest and a food source. They are attracted to sweet foods and sugary beverages. Once they locate a food source, they will return to the nest and recruit more ants to help gather the food.
What can I do if I see European Fire Ants?
Monitoring for European Fire Ants is essential to reducing the risk from ant stings and preventing the ants from spreading. If you suspect you may have European Fire Ants:
- Clean up any food and other food waste.
- Store all food in airtight containers to prevent ants from reaching them.
- Wash food and drink containers with warm soapy water.
- Check the soil of plants to ensure no ants are present.
- Have a pest management professional confirm that the ants are European Fire Ants as there are several species of ant pests in Washington.
- Detections of European Fire Ant should be reported to the Washington State Invasive Species Council (https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/report-a-sighting/invasive-insects/).
What pest management options are available for European Fire Ants?
Exclusion, sanitation, monitoring, and physical controls all aid to prevent and control European Fire Ant populations. When working with a suspected European Fire ant infestation, protect your skin by wearing gloves and close-toed shoes.
- Exclusion: Keep ants out by sealing cracks and crevices, maintaining door sweeps, and other measures to prevent entry into buildings. European Fire Ants can be prevented from establishing and spreading in your yard or garden by minimizing watering and removing objects or piles from the ground that can trap heat and moisture.
- Sanitation: Keep food preparation and eating areas clean, wash all food containers, wipe countertop surfaces immediately after food preparation, and seal food in airtight containers. Empty trash bins that contain food scraps as soon as possible.
- Monitoring: Regularly check ant-prone areas such as kitchens, sinks, drains, openings into buildings, and potted plants. Inspect any plants in containers carefully for the presence of ants before you transport the plant to a new place.
- Physical Controls: If you do have an ant infestation, avoid moving soil or mulch from the infested areas. Wipe up individual ants with soapy water and dispose of the ants into a trash bin. Ant trails should also be wiped or mopped up with soapy water.
Contact a pest management professional for assistance if these control measures are ineffective. If pesticides are used, it should be the least toxic product available. Read the label carefully and follow all safety instructions.