Fire Ant

 

Fire Ants near Barber town Bridge (Mississauga, Ontario)

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Relevant Background: "Fire ants are several species of ants in the genus Solenopsis, which includes over 200 species. Solenopsis are stinging ants, and most of their common names reflect this, for example, ginger ants and tropical fire ants. Many of the names shared by this genus are often used interchangeably to refer to other species of ant, such as the term red ant, mostly because of their similar coloration despite not being in the genus Solenopsis. Both Myrmica rubra and Pogonomyrmex barbatus are common examples of non-Solenopsis ants being termed red ants.[2]

None of these common names apply to all species of Solenopsis nor exclusively to species of Solenopsis; for example, several species of weaver ants of the genus Oecophylla in Southeast Asia are colloquially called "fire ants" because of their similar coloration and painful bites, but the two genera are not closely related. Wasmannia auropunctata is another unrelated ant more commonly called the "little fire ant" due to its potent sting...Fire ants nest in the soil, often near moist areas, such as river banks, pond shores, watered lawns, and highway shoulders. Usually, the nest will not be visible, as it will be built under objects such as timber, logs, rocks, or bricks. If no cover for nesting is available, dome-shaped mounds are constructed, but these are usually only found in open spaces, such as fields, parks, and lawns. These mounds can reach heights of 40 cm (16 in),[4] but can be even higher on heavier soils, standing at 1.0 m (3 ft 3 in) in height and 1.5 m (4 ft 11 in) in diameter.[12] Colonies are founded by small groups of queens or single queens. Even if only one queen survives, within a month or so, the colony can expand to thousands of individuals. Some colonies may be polygynous (having multiple queens per nest).[13]

Fire ants are resilient and can survive floods. During Hurricane Harvey in Texas in 2017, clumps of fire ants, known as rafts, were seen clumped together on the surface of the water. Each clump had as many as 100,000 individual ants, which formed a temporary structure until finding a new permanent home.[14] Ants clumped in this way will recognize different fluid flow conditions and adapt their behavior accordingly to preserve the raft's stability.[15]

Fire ants dig tunnels efficiently using about 30% of the population of the colony, thereby avoiding congestion in tunnels....In the US, the FDA estimates that more than $5 billion is spent annually on medical treatment, damage, and control in RIFA-infested areas. Furthermore, the ants cause approximately $750 million in damage annually to agricultural assets, including veterinarian bills and livestock loss, as well as crop loss.[31] Over 40 million people live in RIFA-infested areas in the southeastern United States.[32] It is estimated that 30–60% of the people living in fire ant-infested areas of the US are stung each year.[33] RIFA are currently found mainly in warmer US states in the south-east of the country including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, but extend to include parts of North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and California.[34]

Since September 2004, Taiwan has been seriously affected by the red fire ant. The US, Taiwan and Australia all have ongoing national programs to control or eradicate the species, but with the exception of those in Australia, none have been especially effective. According to a study published in 2009, it took only seventy years for the lizards in parts of the United States to adapt to the ant's presence; they now have longer legs and new behaviors that aid them in escaping from the danger...The venom of fire ants is mainly (>95%) composed of oily alkaloids structurally derived from piperidine (also known as solenopsins) mixed with a small amount of toxic proteins.[37][38] Fire ant stings are painful, characterised by a local burning sensation, followed by urticaria.[37] The sting site typically swells into a bump within hours, which can cause further pain and irritation, especially following several stings at the same place. The bump may develop into a white pustule within 24–36 hours which can become infected if scratched, but will spontaneously flatten within a few days if left alone. The pustules are obtrusive and uncomfortable while active and, if they become infected, may cause scarring.[39] Some people may become allergic to the venom,[40] and if untreated, may become increasingly sensitive to the point of experiencing anaphylaxis following fire ant stings, which requires emergency treatment.[36] Management of an emergency visit due to anaphylaxis is recommended with the use of adrenaline.[41][36] It has been demonstrated that, whilst pustule formation results from the injected venom alkaloids,[42] allergy to fire ant stings is caused solely by venom allergenic proteins.[40]

First aid for fire ant stings includes external treatments and oral medicines. There are also many home remedies of varying efficacy, including immediate application of a solution of half bleach and half water, or aloe vera gel – the latter of which is also often included in over-the-counter creams that also include medically tested and verified treatments.[7] External, topical treatments include the anesthetic benzocaine, the antihistamine diphenhydramine, and the corticosteroid hydrocortisone.[7] Antihistamines or topical corticosteroids may help reduce the itching and will generally benefit local sting reactions.[43] Oral medicine includes antihistamines.[44] Severe allergic reactions to fire ant stings, including severe chest pain, nausea, severe sweating, loss of breath, serious swelling, and slurred speech[45] can be fatal if not treated..." (Fire ant - Wikipedia)

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Relevant Material: "Eating fire ants is not recommended due to the risk of painful stings, allergic reactions, and parasitic infections, though some cultural cuisines like Indian red ant chutney exist. If consuming, it is crucial to remove the stingers first to avoid venom and potential health complications, including severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical attention.

 
Risks and Concerns
  • Stings and Venom: Fire ants are named for their painful stings, which inject a potent venom. The stings can cause irritation in the mouth and throat if ingested. 
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience mild irritation or severe allergic reactions to fire ant venom, including swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing, which can be life-threatening. 
  • Parasites: Consuming whole ants can increase the risk of parasitic infections. 
  • Poisons: Some ants, like fire ants, produce poisonous substances. 
Cultural Context
  • Edible in Some Cultures:
    Despite the risks, fire ants are consumed as a delicacy in some parts of the world. For example, red ant chutney is a traditional dish in parts of India. 
  • Flavor Profile:
    People who eat them describe fire ants as having a spicy and sour taste, sometimes compared to citrus or vinegar flavors. 
Recommendations
  • Avoid if Possible:
    If you have other, safer food options available, it is best to avoid eating fire ants. 
  • Remove Stingers First:
    If you choose to consume them, it is essential to remove the stingers and sting apparatus before eating to prevent venom exposure. 
  • Seek Medical Attention:
    If you experience any symptoms like swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing after accidentally consuming fire ants, seek prompt medical attention. ..." (Google)
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Relevant Insurance Coverage: Note: Many if not all Insurance companies do not provide Insurance coverage against damage caused by insects or pests

a) Farm and livestock

b) Travel & Health 

c) Life Insurance 

d) Several “organic” fire ant control methods can be safe to use around your pets. For recently produced mounds, pouring 2 to 3 gallons of very hot or boiling water over the mound will provide 50 to 60 percent control. Insecticide products containing d-limonene, pine oil, pyrethrins (or a combination pyrethrin plus diatomaceous earth or silica diox ide), or spinosad can adequately control individual f ire ant mounds (see Natural, Organic, and Alterna tive Methods for Imported Fire Ant Management)..." (Fire_Ant_Control_6_13_2016.pdf)

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