Imported fire ants: the ants from hell!

Allergy Proc

Allergy and Immunology Department, USAF Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Published: July 1994

Imported fire ants may certainly be considered the ANTS FROM HELL! This review focuses on both the interesting entomology of fire ants and the important medical characteristics of fire ant stings. They sting and they kill; they destroy; they mate in mid-air; and we may not be able to stop them. However, although they inject extremely potent venom, individuals can prevent secondary infections by leaving the so-called pustules alone and not opening them. Individuals who suffer systemic reactions may receive adequate treatment with the whole body extract immunotherapy.

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http://dx.doi.org/10.2500/108854194778816580DOI Listing

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