red fire ant already included Europe and is on its way to Spain. Recently Published Study Italian and Spanish scientists records for the first time the presence of these insects on the old continent, in particular on island of Sicily, in Italy. Its ability to colonize new territories is well known, so scientists do not exclude that it will continue. spreading throughout the Mediterranean and may it not take much time to reach our country. So we inevitably ask ourselves two questions: how to distinguish it and what to do about it. Red fire ant bite.
The latter is important; because, unlike other ants, this one doesn’t just bite. He also has sting by means of which he injects a poison which produces a very characteristic burning sensation. In fact, it is this sensation that gives the insect its name.
The good news is that a red fire ant bite is usually not fatal to humans. Although there are exceptions. About 80 deaths have been recorded worldwide. anaphylactic shocks, so if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, you should consult a doctor immediately.
An invasive species that is already present in Europe
Red fire antSolenopsis invicta) Typical for South America.. However, colonies now exist in several places in USA, Australia, China and Philippine Islands.
The expansion of the species began in 1930 with the arrival of several merchant ships from Brazil. Hidden among the goods were several colonies of red fire ants, which spread first across Alabama and then throughout other parts of the United States.
Later something similar happened in Australia. They were first discovered in 2001 in Queensland, although it is believed they may have arrived 20 years earlier. The origin is not as clear as in Alabama, but it is believed that it could also be cargo containersthis time from the USA.
And so little by little they spread, each time to new territories. They reproduce very easily and, given their violence and competitioncan displace other ant species and therefore have greater invasive potential.
How can we recognize this?
When he arrives in Spain we will know. It is true that it took some time to be discovered in Australia due to the large amount of uninhabited land, but overall this insect does not go unnoticed.
They have a very variable size, from 2.4 to 6 mm for workers. Its color reddish or brown and its leg, the equivalent of the waist, consists of two segments. Also impressive are its antennae with 10 segments, jaws with four tooth-like structures and a stinger. The latter look to the naked eye, but it won’t take us long to experience them if we come across them, as the red fire ant’s bite causes very characteristic pain.
They are also distinguished by the fact that they react with much more violence than usual if we step on their anthills, in the form of mounds. They are also very variable, under favorable conditions they can reach even 45 cm in height and destroy soil and plant roots in their path.
How should you react to a red fire ant bite?
There have already been many people in Sicily who have complained of red fire ant bites.
Generally they itch on bare legs and feetwhen we walk on ground full of insects. They can sting several times and in groups, making the sensation very painful. The bites usually continue. circles or semicirclesso this is also a way to recognize them.
They are not usually fatal to humans, but cases have been reported. small dead animals due to an excessive immune response due to inoculation of large amounts of venom. These could be small rodents, birds, or even newborn calves if they don’t get off the ground quickly.
If we are bitten by a red fire ant, the first thing we will feel is very intense pain, as if the area is on fire. Then they start to appear bubbles, sometimes filled with pus, yellowish or white in color. In some cases, since the venom affects the nervous system, even hallucinations have been reported.
The first thing we need to do is remove the ants if there are any and wash the area well with soap and water. Then they can be placed cold water wipesto cool the affected area and reduce inflammation, and if necessary, resort to antihistamines.
If we experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing or inflammation outside the bite area, we should go to the emergency room as soon as possible. This is not the most common disease, but in sensitive people the allergic reaction can be systemic or even lead to anaphylactic shock. But even so, this does not mean that the devil comes to Spain in the form of an ant. It is not an extremely dangerous animal, but a very dangerous insect that can force us to change our behavior in meadows and parks.
Source: Hiper Textual
