12 September 2023 , 14:51
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Deadly red fire ants which are already making their nests in parts of Europe could soon be on their way to the UK, experts fear.
London has been highlighted as a prime candidate for where the biting insects could choose to populate, as modelling shows the nation's capital has the perfect environmental conditions for them to thrive. The south coast of England, southern Wales and parts of the Midlands could also be at risk according to a study by Spanish researchers.
The scientists found 88 red fire ant nests spread over five hectares near the city of Syracuse, in Sicily, Italy, which is believed to be the first time they have been spotted in Europe, according to the report in the journal Current Biology. The red fire ants are native to South America but have spread to the US, Mexico, China and as far as Australia and New Zealand.
Red fire ants are heading to the UK (Getty Images)Lead author Mattia Menchetti of the Institute of Evolutionary Biology in Spain: “S. invicta [the scientific name for red fire ants] is one of the worst invasive species. It can spread alarmingly quickly. Finding this species in Italy was a big surprise, but we knew this day would come. There are a vast number of alien ant species currently established in Europe, and the absence of this species was kind of a relief. For decades, scientists have feared that it would arrive. We could not believe our eyes when we saw it."
A single red fire ant can bite and sting its victim repeatedly, causing a burning sensation and in some cases chest pains, nausea, dizziness and can cause people to go into anaphylactic shock. It killed 80 people in the US alone, where around 14million people are bitten each year.
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Senior author Roger Vila added: "This is especially concerning because many of the cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Rome, have large seaports, which could allow the ants to spread rapidly to more countries and continents."
How to check if you have an insect bite:
- pain where you were bitten or stung
- a small, swollen lump on the skin
The lump may look red. It may be more difficult to see on black or brown skin, but you should be able to feel it.
What to do if you get a bite:
- put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or a clean cloth soaked in cold water on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes, if it's swollen
- keep the area raised if you can
- take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if the sting is painful
- use antihistamines to relieve any itching (but do not use antihistamine cream if you had caterpillar hairs on your skin)
- use a hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling