During the May Day holiday, when you are hiking or picnic in the suburbs, pay attention to these tiny animals in the grass, the Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA).

Photo: Nanfang Daily

Where are the Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA)？

RIFA originates from South America and is listed as one of the invasive species by many countries.

The weather pattern is repeated in spring and summer, and there is more rain, which is the peak period of RIFA's proliferation. Their anthills are 5-30 cm high and 20-50 cm in diameter. They are large-area honeycombs, distributed in fields, parks, suburbs, etc., especially on sunny, open and humid ground.

How harmful is RIFA?

RIFA will feed on the seeds, fruits and roots of agricultural and forestry crops, and their nests will cause short circuits in electrical wires or failure of facilities. People who are bitten by it will experience shock, pain and extreme cases even death.

How to eliminate RIFA?

1. Avoid burning ant nests with fire, which can easily lead to more than ten ant nests.

2. Clean up the environment and reduce their breeding grounds.

3. Use professional ant bait, keep the ground dry when spraying, and do not put it on after watering, raining or 12 hours before rain is expected. Check the results after 10-15 days after spreading the poisonous bait.

What should I do after being bitten by RIFA?

1. The injured person should wash the affected part of the bite with soap and water as soon as practicable.

2. Apply cooling oil and steroid ointment (available from pharmacies) to the bitten area for relief and recovery

3. In order to avoid secondary infection of the wound, it is necessary to avoid breaking the scab or squeezing the pus

4. If symptoms such as allergies, fever, or dizziness occur, go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Author | Alice

Editor | Steven, Jerry