These ants can pose a problem during rescue efforts in flooded areas. When disturbed, fire ants can deliver painful stings. Within 24 hours after a person is stung, a pustule-like sore forms at each sting site , which usually itches intensively. Scratching the pustule may rupture the skin, leading to secondary infection and scarring. A small proportion of people stung are highly allergic to fire ant stings and require medical attention.
Fire ants are particularly fond of greasy-oily foods.
When eating outside, keep all food and drinks covered while they are not being eaten. Dispose of food in garbage bags and trash cans. If fire ant mounds are disrupting cleanup activities, drench the mound with a liquid insecticide. Products containing diazinon, Sevin, cyfluthrin or bifenthrin should work. Fire ant baits work well, but they also take time.