Red fire ants are on the move: They came to the United States from South America in the early 1930s and have now been spotted in Europe.
They are one of the most invasive species in the world, and the UK could be next on the invasion itinerary.
The welcome mat is unlikely to be rolled out because, as one very brave animal expert reveals, they attack aggressively in swarms and will not hesitate to sting multiple times.
The fire ant (solenopsis invicta) is small, but packs a punch: it bites into the skin with its mandibles and then stings once attached.
Coyote Peterson He filmed himself walking barefoot through a fire ant nest for the brave desert YouTube channel, to demonstrate what they are capable of, receiving around 500 stings on their feet during the attack.
Red fire ants are on the move: They came to the United States from South America in the early 1930s and have now been spotted in Europe.
Coyote Peterson filmed himself walking barefoot through a fire ant nest for the YouTube channel Brave Wilderness, to show what they are capable of.
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Coyote, who is from Ohio, explains that fire ants inject a neurotoxic venom that “immediately leaves the victim feeling like they’ve walked into a pool of lava.”
The fire ant is “one of the most formidable little biological landmines on the entire planet,” he says before putting himself in the line of fire.
The video It’s not easy to watch, with Coyote screaming and growling in pain while fire ants run rampant around his ankles and toes. And between his toes, a sensitive area that he says is “the worst” for pain.
He describes the pain as “very intense” and adds: “The fire ants are incredibly powerful.” They are destroying my feet.
Within minutes, the bites begin to “brown.”
It’s not long before Coyote reaches the threshold of what he can handle and brushes off the ants with a feather duster.
Tension is on: Coyote enters the ‘sting zone’ of fire ants
Fire ants attack aggressively in swarms and will not hesitate to sting multiple times. Above: the coyote’s feet during the fire ant attack.
Fourteen hours after the red ant attack and ‘pustules have appeared in full force’ on Coyote’s feet
Later, sitting in a chair, Coyote reveals that he received between 450 and 500 stings and that both feet are in “absolute agony.”
Fourteen hours later, “pustules have erupted in full force” on his feet.
What should you do if you are stung by a red ant?
First, pour cold water over the bite site, says Coyote, and wash away any dirt, dust, and debris. Then apply first aid such as ‘Kill with sting‘, which offers quick relief.
Coyote adds that very few people have an allergic reaction to fire ant stings, but cautions to “be aware of how your body reacts to the venom.”
He adds: “If you feel like you have a lump in your throat or if you are really losing control of the situation, seek medical help.”
For more information on Brave Wilderness, click here.
