Any chance of Fire Ants at Disney?

[lovetoscrap]

I am not sure if this is where to post this--but since the parks are where I spend most of the time and therefore would have the most risk.

Are there Fire Ants in Florida, and if so, has anyone ever encountered them at Disney? I haven't ever seen anything mentioned about it but I have to know if there is even a slight risk. I have been to Disney before--and don't remember seeing any, but I also don't remember if I went prepared.

When I lived in Texas I found out (the hard way) that I am extremely allergic to them. There aren't any where I live now, but if there is a risk I might encounter them in Disney I will have to get a prescription for an Epi-pen to take. I would certainly prefer not to--but, I also don't want to spend my vacation checking out Celebration Hospital!

 

[sorcerormickey]

I see the big hills they create everyday driving in and out of work - BUT only in non-Guest areas (sides of roads, medians, etc...) I have NEVER seen them even remotely close to where any Guest would go. So unless you are planning on hiking out in the woods - you will be fine.

 

[MommytoMJM]

I've never seen them in guest areas wither, but I would still get the EpiPen....It can't hurt to have it just in case. I have only had one bug bite ever at WDW I am allergic to bees and mosquitos but never get bit or stung at WDW, I do at home tho (I live directly behind the MK)

 

[lordmadcow]

I was actual bit by a fire ant right after I got off of Goofy's rollercoaster in toon town. I was standing in line at the little fruit stand and one bit the top of my foot. I fortunatley am not allergic, but wow did it hurt!

 

[lovetoscrap]

That is all I need to know then! I will get the pen!

I really don't know what I did our last 2 trips. I must have had one in my backpack (I hope!). But my old pen expired and I disposed of it last year.

Thanks so much!

 

[cleo]

There are fire ants all over the Orlando area, so even if the parks are pretty 'clean' you may run into a problem at Downtown Disney, one of the resorts, etc.

 

[VirtuallyMe]

As another highly allergic individual- I would say get the pen anyway- you never know when you might come across them or have a reaction to a similar insect...

We just got back this past weekend- and I didn't see any ants to speak of in the parks at all. I'm typically hyper-consientious about them- being from South Louisiana I've had to learn to co-exist with the little pests that can kill me- but we do co-exist

My understanding is that pest control is somewhat overvigiliant in the resorts and parks- I did witness this first hand at CBR for our stay- I did expect to see some ants there- lots of land and water around- but saw none in any of the areas I walked in-

But definitely get your epi-pen and make sure someone with you knows where it is at all times.