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Personal protection measures against fire ant attacks.

Jerome Goddard1

  • 1Mississippi Department of Health, General Environmental Services, Jackson 39215, USA. jgoddard@msdh.state.ms.us

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|November 11, 2005
PubMed
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Socks effectively prevent fire ant stings by blocking ants and delaying their access to skin. Repellents and chemicals did not deter fire ants from stinging exposed skin or paper towels.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Public Health
  • Protective Clothing Technology

Background:

  • Fire ant stings cause significant health issues annually.
  • Limited scientific data exists on personal protection effectiveness against fire ants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Quantify protection offered by socks and cotton tights against fire ant stings.
  • Evaluate chemical repellents' efficacy in preventing stings.

Main Methods:

  • Controlled experiments using a doll's foot and human finger to test fabric protection.
  • Assays developed to screen chemical substances for sting prevention capabilities.

Main Results:

  • All tested socks reduced ant encounters and delayed skin access.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Fire ants could not sting through any tested socks.
  • Chemicals and repellents failed to prevent stings on skin or paper towels.

    • Conclusions:

    • Socks offer protection against fire ant stings and are recommended for children in infested areas.
    • Cotton tights may protect children's lower extremities.
    • Insect repellents and chemicals are ineffective against fire ant stings.