Pain and discomfort are normal reactions to insect stings. A fire ant s sting injects a venom that causes an extreme burning sensation. Pustules form which can become infected if scratched. Allergic people also can develop hives, dizziness, weakness, breathing problems, nausea and abdominal cramps. The worst reaction is potentially deadly anaphylactic shock, which causes a sudden drop in blood pressure and constriction of the throat.
Stings usually occur when a fire-ant mound is unwittingly stepped on.
The ants defend their turf, biting with their jaws and then stinging. The aggressive behavior of fire ants and the ability of each worker to sting repeatedly threatens both man and animal. Certain forms of wildlife are especially affected by ants during and soon after birth or hatching. The risk is greatest during the warm months. Fawns are vulnerable because they are born in June and because they instinctively remain motionless in their hiding places.