fire ants

i have just returned from a 4 day visit to orlando where i got bitten by fire ants- i had 3-4 bites at first which came up v red and sore- now 3 days later I have 80 + red swollen bumps on my feet and legs- they are unbearably painfull even though im using antihistamine and hydrocortisone cream from my gp. IM using ice and frozen peas on legs . Also got them on the soles of my feet so walking is v painful. any more suggestions... i think im probably allergic to the bites my throat is starting to swekk up a bit. Gp hasnt heard of fire ants thinks i have a virus! my hubby trod on the nest and was coverd in ants upto his knees- I was a bit farther away and ended up worse!!
Any helpful suggestions gratefully received.<span style=&#39;color:blue&#39;></span id=&#39;blue&#39;><span style=&#39;font-family:Comic Sans MS&#39;></span id=&#39;Comic Sans MS&#39;>

Not really except to look out for small sandy mounds in the grass as that's where they live and never walk around on grass with no shoes on! Once you've been stung (I have) you want to avoid the experience again.

OK, here's some advice:

What should I do if I get stung?

Stings from fire ants cause a painful, burning and itching sensation that can last for up to one hour. Apply a cold compress (or ice) as soon as possible to the affected areas to reduce swelling and relieve pain. After a few hours (or even a day or two), a small blister can form at the site of each sting. To prevent secondary infection, wash the blisters gently with soap and water and be careful not to break the blisters.

What if I react badly to stings?

Seek medical attention if irritation persists and causes any distress or discomfort. If you have a history of allergy to insect stings also seek medical advice. On rare occasions a severe acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can occur immediately after stinging. It typically occurs in persons sensitised by previous stings and can be life threatening. Immediately seek medical assistance if symptoms of rapid onset of flushing, general hives, swelling of the face, eyes or throat, chest pains, nausea, severe sweating, breathing difficulty and faintness occur.

Sounds like you're doing the right thing with the ice and frozen peas.

My hubby was bitten by fire ants on his ankles last October in the Everglades when he went to use the loo. There he was, doing what comes naturally, and he next moment he was hopping all over the place trying to brush them off. He ended up with a few blister-type bites but wasn't too much the worse for wear. ne made sure he investigated every public convenience very thoroughly after that![msnwink]

With the Florida climate is there a 'fire ant season'?

'Fraid not George, they're year round as far as I know. You can buy fire ant spray and powder at local supermarkets.

Don't they take a vacation .......let's bite back.

I think they're already on permanent vacation and they're so microscopic that you'd be hard pressed finding them, let alone biting back! I suppose we'd be annoyed if loads of mega giants trod on our houses! [msnsmile2]

Best thing is to wear trainers and socks when walking on grass (sandals are asking for trouble without socks), side step any sandy mounds and spray or powder on any that you find. Oh, and move quickly at the first sting as there will be hundreds behind the first one!

You can also get specialist fire ant bite treatment at the pharmacy section of the supermarkets which purports to take the sting and swelling out.

3 summers ago talking to someone across the street from our home on the outside of the screened in pool, I was bitten all around my ankles. There were so many on me that I jumped into their pool, they must of thought i was nuts! Anyway after three years I still have the red scars from their bites! The itching went away with Neosporine but what a horrible experience.