Fire Ants

[CandleontheWater]

My DH weirdly got bit while sitting in the rocking chair in the Brier Patch (the gift shop near the entrance to Splash Mountain). Other than that, I can't think of a time we've run into them inside the parks. I'll second staying out of the grass, I've found them to be particularly nasty in parking lot medians.

If you need medical attention, Disney is second to none, they'll get paramedics to you in no time!

 

[ZehnJahren]

If you need medical attention, Disney is second to none, they'll get paramedics to you in no time!

And how do you get said paramedics to appear? Just start shouting? I'm pretty nervous now; I don't want him to get hurt for MY vacation, and if I take him down there and he ends up having to go through that ordeal again, it'll break my heart.

Regardless, I will be on the watchout for the little buggers; so much good information for me, especially knowing where some others have been bitten and what to look out for.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

Ive only seen love bugs.

 

[TisBit]

And how do you get said paramedics to appear? Just start shouting? I'm pretty nervous now; I don't want him to get hurt for MY vacation, and if I take him down there and he ends up having to go through that ordeal again, it'll break my heart.

Regardless, I will be on the watchout for the little buggers; so much good information for me, especially knowing where some others have been bitten and what to look out for.

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it. Fire ants are EVERYWHERE in the south, just like mosquitos are everywhere. I won't go into his specific medical condition, but there are def levels of allergic reactions. Most likely his allergic reaction as a kid was from a number of bites, fire ants are very bad especially in numbers, if you get into a mound and suffer a number of bites they can be bad....regardless of allergies or not. He should consult his doctor if he doesn't know too much about the "allergy" to fire ants, it was even possible that it wasn't an allergic reaction, but just a reaction to the ants themselves.

With that being said, most likely he would not have a severe reaction to a single fire ant bite (again, talk to a doctor to make sure) and just needs to avoid coming into contact with multiple ants (translate to mounds). I wouldn't recommend golfing, or at least being careful about where you walk, stay out of wooded areas and the brush. Stay on sidewalks, don't take short cuts and you will most likely never encounter them in numbers.

As others have said, fire ant mounds are pretty large (espcially if established) and will look somewhat spongy with multiple entry exit holes. Fire ants are BRIGHT red, there are lot of red ants in the south too, these are not fire ants....and are actually pretty tiny in size. If you are bit by a fire ant it will look like a small pimple and will hurt/itch like the dickens. As a matter of fact you will know you are being bitten, they don't let go, you will feel a sharp pain and when you brush/slap your leg there will be a small ant attached to you.

As for medical help, the nearest CM can summon help for you in an extreme emergency, there are also first aid stations in all the parks.

 

[watkinsme]

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it. Fire ants are EVERYWHERE in the south, just like mosquitos are everywhere. I won't go into his specific medical condition, but there are def levels of allergic reactions. Most likely his allergic reaction as a kid was from a number of bites, fire ants are very bad especially in numbers, if you get into a mound and suffer a number of bites they can be bad....regardless of allergies or not. He should consult his doctor if he doesn't know too much about the "allergy" to fire ants, it was even possible that it wasn't an allergic reaction, but just a reaction to the ants themselves.

With that being said, most likely he would not have a severe reaction to a single fire ant bite (again, talk to a doctor to make sure) and just needs to avoid coming into contact with multiple ants (translate to mounds). I wouldn't recommend golfing, or at least being careful about where you walk, stay out of wooded areas and the brush. Stay on sidewalks, don't take short cuts and you will most likely never encounter them in numbers.

My sister had a severe reaction to fire ants with 3 bites on her ankle - facial swelling - airway swelling - she carries an epi pen for it

 

[ZehnJahren]

Honestly I wouldn't worry too much about it. Fire ants are EVERYWHERE in the south, just like mosquitos are everywhere. I won't go into his specific medical condition, but there are def levels of allergic reactions. Most likely his allergic reaction as a kid was from a number of bites, fire ants are very bad especially in numbers, if you get into a mound and suffer a number of bites they can be bad....regardless of allergies or not. He should consult his doctor if he doesn't know too much about the "allergy" to fire ants, it was even possible that it wasn't an allergic reaction, but just a reaction to the ants themselves.

He was bit three times (the doc found the bite marks), and the reaction was so bad that the doctor came out to tell his parents they'd better call next of kin - he was going to die. His blood pressure was so low, they had no idea how he ended up surviving when he started coming back around. He went to the allergist when we knew we were going someplace with fire ants again, and the allergist didn't even want to test him because of his near-death experience last time. Instead, he prescribed the epipen and said to be very cautious.

The whole incident happened when he was a very small child, so there is some hope he outgrew the allergy (according to the doc). However, we're not banking on it, and they wouldn't even test his allergy this time, even with 25 years since the last bites. My hope is that we won't have a problem at all - I will make certain we don't sit on or near planters, that we look at handrails before touching them, keep out of the underbrush, don't sit on grass, etc. I'm so glad to have all of these tips - and to be reminded that Disney has a quick response team. I think even if he's bitten, if I can use the epipen and Disney can get him to the hospital, we'll still be ok.

Also a good reminder that there are just regular old red ants. Boy, I'm going to be a nervous wreck by the time we get there!!!

 

[winterman]

my DBF is severely allergic to them (he came within minutes of dying from bites as a child) and I will be carrying his Epipen EVERYWHERE.

I understand your concern, but I think it is a big mistake for YOU to carry his epipen. First, he is a grown man and needs to take responsibility for himself. Second, you can not possibly be with him every moment. What if he gets stung while you are stuck in a line in the ladies' room? You should both know how to use the epipen, but if he is over the age of 5 or 6, he should carry his own. My DH has an anaphylactic reaction to bee stings, so I speak from experience.

 

[TisBit]

My sister had a severe reaction to fire ants with 3 bites on her ankle - facial swelling - airway swelling - she carries an epi pen for it

Which is why I said see a doctor.....no one know the extent except medical professionals. There are a wide range of reactions that can occur.

He was bit three times (the doc found the bite marks), and the reaction was so bad that the doctor came out to tell his parents they'd better call next of kin - he was going to die. His blood pressure was so low, they had no idea how he ended up surviving when he started coming back around. He went to the allergist when we knew we were going someplace with fire ants again, and the allergist didn't even want to test him because of his near-death experience last time. Instead, he prescribed the epipen and said to be very cautious.

The whole incident happened when he was a very small child, so there is some hope he outgrew the allergy (according to the doc). However, we're not banking on it, and they wouldn't even test his allergy this time, even with 25 years since the last bites. My hope is that we won't have a problem at all - I will make certain we don't sit on or near planters, that we look at handrails before touching them, keep out of the underbrush, don't sit on grass, etc. I'm so glad to have all of these tips - and to be reminded that Disney has a quick response team. I think even if he's bitten, if I can use the epipen and Disney can get him to the hospital, we'll still be ok.

Also a good reminder that there are just regular old red ants. Boy, I'm going to be a nervous wreck by the time we get there!!!

I am not trying to dispute the story, but there are some off things in it (doctors don't tell parents to notify next of kin, they are the next of kin) and if a doctor refused to test/diagnose an actual allergy I would have concerns. An allergist can test for the allergy in a safe environment. An anaphylaxis reaction is easy to treat in an allergist office and poses little to no real risk. Even making the hypothesis that it was caused by fire ants without more than a couple of bite marks is putting the horse before the cart and isn't a true diagnosis. The allergic reaction that he experienced could have been caused by a number of things, possibly not even related to the ant bites. If he had been exposed to a large number of fire ants that resulted in the reaction it would be more easily determined.

With all this being said, I am not saying he is not allergic or that the story is a complete fabrication, but has probably been "modified" from the actual occurance. I suggest he go to an allergist, find out if the allergy exist and seek treatment options from there. He might find that he has more to worry about than fire ants, as the venom in fire ants is similar to bees and wasps, which could mean that he would have severe allergies to these as well (which are much more frequent than fire ants).

As I posted earlier, fire ants are all over the Southeastern United States and the chance to encounter them are very high. We can give advice all we want on the boards, but honestly without seeing your doctor and finding out more information from them you are going blind and will probably have a lot of anxiety about your trip and during your vacation. There are allergy shots that may "cure" the allergy and other treatment options available. Having the Epi pen is great, but if his allergy is so severe that they won't even investigate at a doctors office, I would not rely on an Epi pen to save his life.

 

[Lots-o-Huggin]

Fire ants are all over the place here in Orlando. Just be careful. I cringe when I see kids in the grass here. Almost every time I go out to do yard work I get stung.

I agree with the above. The posters on this thread who haven't seen bugs/pests at WDW are either lucky or aren't really looking for them. Orlando is semi-tropical and full of many bizarre bugs, including fireants. WDW has them too. But I don't think there's much you can do to avoid them. Staying out of the grass my reduce your chances of being bitten, but I've had colonies set up in the middle of my paver driveway - so they aren't confined to grass. I certainly wouldn't let it ruin my stay, though. If he is bitten, he will know it. Then use your pen.

 

[ZehnJahren]

I understand your concern, but I think it is a big mistake for YOU to carry his epipen.

Very good point. I was carrying it for two reasons: 1) the first time he got stung, he became very dazed; 2) I have a purse, he doesn't even have pockets. I didn't even think of him sitting down and waiting for me to go to the bathroom or something. We'll have to figure something else out. Thank you!

I am not trying to dispute the story, but there are some off things in it (doctors don't tell parents to notify next of kin, they are the next of kin) and if a doctor refused to test/diagnose an actual allergy I would have concerns. An allergist can test for the allergy in a safe environment. An anaphylaxis reaction is easy to treat in an allergist office and poses little to no real risk. Even making the hypothesis that it was caused by fire ants without more than a couple of bite marks is putting the horse before the cart and isn't a true diagnosis. The allergic reaction that he experienced could have been caused by a number of things, possibly not even related to the ant bites. If he had been exposed to a large number of fire ants that resulted in the reaction it would be more easily determined.

Having the Epi pen is great, but if his allergy is so severe that they won't even investigate at a doctors office, I would not rely on an Epi pen to save his life.

I understand exactly what you're saying. I'm coming from just hearing the story a couple of times, since it happened so long ago - I only heard a bit about it until his mother finally told me the story recently, and even then she was not present for everything.

All I know for sure, is that his survival was called a miracle by the hospital and by his family. As for next of kin, they thought there were grandparents nearby and he has a brother as well, so it's my assumption that they wanted family there for his passing (that didn't happen). I know that he went to the allergist just a little bit ago, and the allergist (his usual allergist) looked at his early medical history and said he didn't want to test him and cause unnecessary strain. I know, I know, what about the strain of thinking you might have a serious allergy? Well, it doesn't strain my boyfriend, just makes ME anxious!

Other than that, he HAS been tested for bee/wasp allergens while he was in getting tested for different pet allergies last year. He had no reaction, thank God. But I don't know every facet of the story or the allergy or the docs or the allergists - it happened 25 years ago and he and I have been together for a little over 2 years. HOWEVER, I still appreciate the advice and warnings. Thanks for taking the time to post your concerns!

 

[ReneeinNJ]

We were at Shades of Green Sept. 3-10, 2011. There was a movie night one night and my 6yo got several bites on her foot/ankle. They blistered and made it difficult for her to walk/wear shoes the rest of the trip. We also got a bunch in our room (5th floor!) and the rest of us got 1-2 bites before we realized what they were. We were offered a different room, but chose to have maintenance come in and spray instead (we had connecting rooms and were fully unpacked, too much trouble to move). The ants were gone and the rooms were fine once we aired them out a bit. DD's bites are still itchy and scabbed over. First time of having fire ant issues but we will be more aware next time.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have never seen any bug or pests at WDW.

you cannot be serious!! never saw a bug or pest at WDW??? never It's Florida.. you had to have seen some sort of bug somewhere in the world..

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I am a fire ant magnet.. As far as the parks, I really have to say, I have not come in contact with any. Then again, I don't go running thru any grassy area's there either. I am always on concrete. I will say that nearly every resort I have been at, I have seen my share of fire ants at at one time or another. I have stayed at every Value (yes), every Moderate (yes), Beach Club (No), BoardWalk (No), Swan (not Disney but yes), Bonnet Creek (not Disney but yes) Contemporary (yes), Poly (yes), Ft Wilderness Cabins (yes).. were they all over the resorts no.. but there were some piles of them. I live in Fl and seem to get some in my own yard every once in a while too. My mom was very allergic to them as well. She ended up with a staff infection from a bite once and had it for months! She got bit in my yard...

 

[ZehnJahren]

I am a fire ant magnet.. As far as the parks, I really have to say, I have not come in contact with any. Then again, I don't go running thru any grassy area's there either. I am always on concrete. I will say that nearly every resort I have been at, I have seen my share of fire ants at at one time or another. I have stayed at every Value (yes), every Moderate (yes), Beach Club (No), BoardWalk (No), Swan (not Disney but yes), Bonnet Creek (not Disney but yes) Contemporary (yes), Poly (yes), Ft Wilderness Cabins (yes).. were they all over the resorts no.. but there were some piles of them. I live in Fl and seem to get some in my own yard every once in a while too. My mom was very allergic to them as well. She ended up with a staff infection from a bite once and had it for months! She got bit in my yard...

Wow, that's scary! We didn't see any fire ants when we were down there, but we were pretty cautious about staying on the concrete and not heading into grassy areas. We're heading back to Florida in a few weeks, and this was a good reminder to get out the epi pen and make sure it's still good!

 

[torinsmom]

I've become pretty good at spotting fire ant mounds. They are very common here in NC, and I teach 4-5 year olds. I am constantly monitoring the playground to make sure noone gets into a mound. I haven't seen any on my trips to Orlando, but I'm sure they're around. You might do a google image search for "fire ant mound" to get an idea of what to look out for. Fire ant mounds are very distinctive, and tend to be larger than regular ant hills.

I would suggest your BF wear socks and tennis shoes vs. flip flops or sandals. That way if he happens to get into ants, he will have time to get his shoes(and the ants) off. Those things are mean and they bite as soon as they hit skin.

 

[shinysparklybubbles]

I agree about not wearing flip flops. My dad has a fire ant sting him under his toe nail (like where the flesh and nail meet) he said he's never experienced such pain!

Make sure your BF is carrying more than one epi pen, a duo pack is best. In case the first one wouldn't work you have a back up and sometimes after 15 mins you need another shot. You can also buy holders for them, if you google epi pen cases or holders you'll find them. May not be the most fashionable of things but better to be dorky than dead. (and no I'm not heartless it's just our family motto since DS needs to carry them for food allergies)

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We were at Shades of Green Sept. 3-10, 2011. There was a movie night one night and my 6yo got several bites on her foot/ankle. They blistered and made it difficult for her to walk/wear shoes the rest of the trip. We also got a bunch in our room (5th floor!) and the rest of us got 1-2 bites before we realized what they were. We were offered a different room, but chose to have maintenance come in and spray instead (we had connecting rooms and were fully unpacked, too much trouble to move). The ants were gone and the rooms were fine once we aired them out a bit. DD's bites are still itchy and scabbed over. First time of having fire ant issues but we will be more aware next time.

wow.. now that is something you don't hear of that often. they usually don't travel that far from grass/dirt. I have to admit, I had them in my bedroom closet once during the spring, but my house is a ranch style one floor.. and my closet has 2 outside walls

 

[ZehnJahren]

I agree about not wearing flip flops. My dad has a fire ant sting him under his toe nail (like where the flesh and nail meet) he said he's never experienced such pain!

Make sure your BF is carrying more than one epi pen, a duo pack is best. In case the first one wouldn't work you have a back up and sometimes after 15 mins you need another shot. You can also buy holders for them, if you google epi pen cases or holders you'll find them. May not be the most fashionable of things but better to be dorky than dead. (and no I'm not heartless it's just our family motto since DS needs to carry them for food allergies)

I wish that he would do something like this; him having an allergic reaction is one of my biggest fears. However, I could barely convince him to get the first EpiPen; I pretty much had to beg - I can't imagine him going back for another. He is the type to say "don't worry about it since it probably won't happen" and I'm the type to say "it will happen! it will happen! AAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!" so we definitely don't agree on this.

I think it's better to be safe than... well, dead. But he's not too concerned about it, and I just can't make him be.

At least that's one thiing - he only ever wears socks and shoes. He doesn't own any flip flops or sandals. If we saw them on him, I would gladly sacrifice being bitten several times in order to try and get them off him before they hit skin. I don't have any real allergies - I'm not even allergic to poison ivy (runs on my mother's sde), and I've been stung by bees, wasps, jellyfish, etc. - so if I could maybe kill them or swipe them off or get his shoes and socks off, I would.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

print out our responses and show him.. yes, Fire Ants also are guests at the Disney Resorts.. they get the FL Resident Rates.. He may realize it if he does see it here... you never know..
and thank God he does keep his feet covered. I wear crocs alot and they get into those openings so easy... Even at work, I work at a school, on the bus ramp, it is concrete, but yet in the cracks of the concrete, they still manage to get in and into my crocs.. The next thing I know I am jumping from a bite!

 

[PHXscuba]

I really appreciate this thread ... I was actually just debating starting a "what's gonna bite me at WDW" thread because I am a bug bite magnet! If there are bugs there, they'll bite ME! I guess I am delicious to bugs

Other then the fire ants (which I experienced in Key Largo a few years back ) what should I watch out for? Is it worth packing/applying bug spray regularly?

PHXscuba