Menopause Matters Forum

General Discussion => This 'n' That => Topic started by: Sooby on July 18, 2017, 08:58:05 PM

Title: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: Sooby on July 18, 2017, 08:58:05 PM
Its July which means bugfest on my farm.

While injecting the goats on Saturday I disturbed an ant colony and by the time the goats were done my legs were covered in ant bites.

I have applied insect mite cream several times over the past few days which has reduced some of the swelling but they itch like mad. :(

Can anyone suggest a remedy to tackle them ???
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: Mbrown001 on July 18, 2017, 09:13:20 PM
I would try an antihistamine.

When berry picking a few years ago I stood on an ants nest....I was bitten every which way. Much to hubbies amusement I ended up taking off my trousers in ....well not a terribly quiet place. I had lumps and bumps right up to my bum. I didn't care though...trousers just had to come off.  ::)
The antihistamines really helped. If you are in any doubt though or feel unwell then go to your GP.

You have my sympathy though. It's really not nice.

Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: cubagirl on July 19, 2017, 06:34:50 AM
Oh Mrs B, sorry but did have a  ;D ;D Last year, our daughter had a terrible problem with an ant's nest outside their back door. They'd made nest at base of a potted plant. This year they've moved to the front of the house. Ant powder everywhere.
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: Scampi on July 19, 2017, 07:05:39 AM
I can't offer any advice (other than antihistamine), but you have my deepest sympathies - I got an ant bite on holiday in Italy years ago ... it developed from a red bump the size of a pea to a black (and I mean black!) 'bruise' 6 inches in diameter - couldn't move my ankle and the burning itch was only relieved by immersion in the sea!  On-site doctor gave me antihistamines, but it took about 3 weeks to go completely. 
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: cubagirl on July 19, 2017, 12:29:45 PM
Are these just common or garden ants? I have discovered a heap of them marching across my front doorstep. Must treat before grandkids arrive.
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: CLKD on July 19, 2017, 01:22:08 PM
Why R people killing ants - every year I type on here: use cheap jars of jam; lids off, laid on the side - the ants will take the jam back to the net.  I never have them in the house and our Estate is built on ants' nests  ::). :  we have black, red and those large brown ones that have a fericious bite  :o but I keep out of the way so they don't get the chance to bite.

It's upsetting the balance of Nature to put down chemicals - I wonder how many people use chemicals to kill ants/wasps/bees where they wouldn't use chemical on themselves or worry about taking HRT  ::)
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: cubagirl on July 19, 2017, 03:16:15 PM
I don't want my grandkids being stung, end of. Sorry CLKD, but jam would attract bees & wasps too. I really don't want that happening to them.
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: Mbrown001 on July 19, 2017, 03:19:42 PM
If you can find the nest CG a kettle of boiling water does wonders in getting rid of them.

I wouldn't put out jam either I'm afraid. It would attract too many buzzy things which I really don't like at all.

Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: cubagirl on July 19, 2017, 03:24:39 PM
Its somewhere near front doorstep, but if I sit & watch they play silly & I can't find point of entry.
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: CLKD on July 19, 2017, 03:34:13 PM
wasps will go for jam, bees rarely do ......... and will fly away to the nest ;-).  They don't sting unless annoyed although I trapped one under my arm once  :o

I didn't answer the question, I would use an anti-histamine spray/cream applying once every hour for 3 hours then as it itches. 
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: CLKD on July 23, 2017, 05:39:45 PM
How's the bites?
Title: Re: Advice on treating Ant bites
Post by: CLKD on July 25, 2017, 12:17:12 PM
That's good!