Fire Ants - Ask Extension
I don't know if you keep record of this type but I am sending pictures of an interaction with I believe, is the red imported fire ant. While pruning a...
Knowledgebase
Fire Ants #810595
Asked September 13, 2022, 11:09 AM EDT
I don't know if you keep record of this type but I am sending pictures of an interaction with I believe, is the red imported fire ant. While pruning a viburnum in my yard I was bitten by these ants and felt a mild stinging. I didn't realize I was being stung right away and later saw that my ankles were covered in red marks and several small pustules. When I researched treatment for the stings the sites stated that these scars may be permanent and I thought that other people might want to know about this fire ant.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Maryland is the farthest North any fire ants have been reported in the USA. They are not found in Michigan. Pavement and thief ants are two red colored ants. It's not common that they would bite people.
We are unable to make any diagnoses from photos of skin. That would require a medical professional to determine if it is insect, plant based or a different cause.
We are unable to make any diagnoses from photos of skin. That would require a medical professional to determine if it is insect, plant based or a different cause.