Fire Ants: The Invisible Army That Ruins Every Picnic in New Orleans

The Invisible Army Beneath Your Feet

Fire ants are everywhere in New Orleans — in parks, driveways, sidewalk cracks, and usually right where you just sat down to watch some live music. You don't see them until you feel them, and by then it's too late. One second you're sitting on the grass at Jazz Fest enjoying a crawfish bread. The next second, your ankle is on fire and you're performing an involuntary dance that the people around you find equal parts alarming and entertaining.

The venom from a fire ant bite causes itchy, burning bumps that form within hours and can take days to go away. Each ant can sting multiple times, and they attack in coordinated waves — which means that by the time you feel the first bite, a dozen of their colleagues are already in position. It's a military operation executed by insects the size of rice grains, and it's devastatingly effective.

The Serious Side

For most people, fire ant stings are painful but not dangerous — a few days of itchy welts and the lingering irritation of having been outsmarted by an insect. But fire ants can also cause anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and can be life-threatening. People with known allergies to insect stings should carry an EpiPen and take fire ant territory seriously.

Fire ant mounds pop up overnight in any patch of open ground. They're especially common after rain, when the colonies push new mounds to the surface. The mounds don't always look like much — a small pile of displaced dirt that you might not notice until your foot is in the middle of it. New Orleanians learn to scan the ground before sitting, to check park benches before settling in, and to always — always — watch where they put their feet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Ants in New Orleans

How bad are fire ant stings?

Stings produce burning, itchy bumps that last several days. For most people they're painful but not dangerous. However, fire ant stings can cause anaphylaxis in allergic individuals, which requires immediate medical attention.

Where are fire ants most common?

Fire ants are found throughout New Orleans in parks, driveways, sidewalk cracks, yards, and any patch of open ground. Mounds are especially common after rainfall.

What should I do if I get stung?

Move away from the mound immediately. Wash the area with soap and water. Apply ice and antihistamine cream. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness, seek emergency medical care immediately.