[at-l] Fire Ants

[Tim Rich]

I don't think insect repellent will do anything.  A sting will, well, sting a good bit, and it may produce a very small welt that may fester over the next few days.  That's about it.  I've grown up with them and been bitten hundreds of times.  I've never had a fire ant bite while hiking or camping, even south of the AT.  They're a hassle in regular life, but I've never had an issue with them setting up tents in Alabama, and they are everywhere in Alabama.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, they usually avoid compacted soil, so if you're in an established camping area it's unlikely to be an issue.  If you go and find a new spot to camp, move a little rotted wood or some rocks, you could disturb a colony.

Take care,

Tim



________________________________
 From: giniajim <jplynch at crosslink.net>
To: Thinktraub Thinktraub <hikeinmountains at gmail.com>; at-l at backcountry.net 
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 9:35 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] Fire Ants
 
Does an insect repellent ward them off?  Do hikers know what the treatment 
is if you do get bitten by them?

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Thinktraub Thinktraub" <hikeinmountains at gmail.com>
To: <at-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 8:51 AM
Subject: Re: [at-l] Fire Ants


> They should be in Erwin and Hot Springs and other southern trail towns
> soon, if they're not there already.  And the lower elevations of the 
> trail.
>
> Since they've made their way up to 3,000 feet in the Smokies already, 
> watch
> were you set up your tent (or step, or sit) in gaps and other lower
> elevation areas.  These suckers are bad news.
>


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