Careful! Stepping On a Fire Ant Mound Could Become Deadly

The hot summer months are here and that means fire ants are most likely prevalent in your yard. However, if you are out mowing your lawn or have kids playing out in the yard you need to be aware and stay away from fire ant piles because they could become deadly.

Such as the case, of a woman in Central Georgia that died over the weekend from stepping on a fire ant pile because and had an allergic reaction to the ant's venom. The woman was unable to get to her medicine before she died, according to a USA Today story.

Getting bit by a fire ant is no fun and if you were to get bit by several at the same time it won't be pleasant. Their stingers repeatedly inject venom into your body and what follows for many is a stinging burning sensation, rash, and itching. Some folks like me get red bumps when they bite into the human skin and the bumps last a pretty long time before they start to fade away.

Most fire ants are normally found in the Southern U.S. but they can be found just about anywhere year-round.  According to the United States Department of Agriculture, fire ants can be destructive to crops, vegetation, trees, and even damage equipment used for cultivating and harvesting.

So, if you happen to see a fire ant pile the best way to get rid of is by fire and bait. There are other ways to get rid of them but bait seems to work the best. If you happen to get bit by a mound of fire ants it's best to seek medical attention if you begin to feel sick.

Do not attempt this.