TALLAHASSEE, Fla.(WTXL)- Summer in Florida is normally a time for fun and relaxation, but according to local doctors it's also a time when a large number of people get bit by fire ants.
"It feels like hot needles going into the skin," said Allergy and Asthma Diagnostic Treatment Center Doctor Ronald Saff, M.D. "The fire ant venom is extremely powerful. Ounce for ounce it's more powerful than cobra venom."
It's hard to imagine a bite from something so small can be so painful. Outdoor activities such as biking and walking increase your chance of coming in contact with fire ants.
For most people a little bit of soap, water, and medicine heals these type of bites. However, some are at major risk and could get a allergic reaction.
Leon County treated portions of the J.R. Alford and Miccosukee Greenways for fire ants in order to keep residents and the environment safe.
"We're not being reactive, our attempt is to be pro active and get ahead of those pesky problems," said Leon County Office of Resource Stewardship Director Maggie Theriot. "We're fortunate we don't really have any history of known complaints about ants but we do live in Florida but if you look in anyone's backyard this rainy season those mounds tend to pop up quick. So this is just part of our stewardship of the property."
To prevent getting bit by fire ants local doctors recommend to avoid wearing open-toed shoes and walking bare foot and watch where you are stepping.
Doctors also recommend to be mindful of children and animals and keep the a safe distance away from ant hills.
