Ants Kill Phoenix Child

[azskyman]

In one of the saddest stories of the day here in Phoenix, a three month old baby girl died from an attack of black ants while she lay in her room.

Although I don't have the article in front of me to reprint here, TV news reports said a few minutes ago that death by ants is a very rare occurrence in this country.

Sad story. She was a beautiful little girl.

[JQ Public]

Thats unusual! I had no idea black ants even bit. I thought the only threat was fire ants. Thanks for the heads up Sad story! I pray for her family.

[weatherlover427]

Maybe it's because she was so little. Poor girl. I feel for her family.

[Guest]

How sad..........I didnt know either that black ants bite.........

[ColdFront77]

Poor girl, indeed.

I believe I have heard and have seen black ants, very large ones that bite, but for the most part black one don't bite. Fire (Red) ants sure do. I am sure glad I haven't seen any here in my immediate part of town.

[Aslkahuna]

the baby had an allergic reaction to the ant stings (ants sting-not bite). Ant venom is similar to that of Wasps and bees so anyone allergic to bee or wasp (and hornet) stings would also be allergic to ant stings. Here in AZ, the ants referenced are the indigenous species of Fire Ants which in other parts of the Country have been wiped out by the influx of the Imported Fire Ants and believe me, their sting is potent. Other dangerous fauna here besides snakes are Scorpions (especially the small Bark Scorpion whose sting contains neurotoxins), the Black Widow and Brown Recluse Spiders (bites) and Gila Monsters (also bites).

Steve

[ColdFront77]

That makes sense, Steve. Many of us would not succumb to a bee, wasp or hornet sting, as most of us wouldn't be killed by a black ant. Thank you for the information.

[mf_dolphin]

Very very sad!

[JetMaxx]

That's such a sad story...poor little girl

I know all about how dangerous insect bites and stings can be. Becky is extremely allergic to bee and other insect stings. Once at school, she was stung by a yellow jacket and had to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance (had difficulty breathing

If she gets stung by a honeybee on her little toe, her entire leg swells up (it's frightening). I've been afraid Madison or one of the boys would inherit it from Sis, but so far so good (but it didn't show up on Becky until the 4th grade).

[azskyman]

It was determined that the ants that killed the baby were fire ants...common to the Arizona region....not black ants as most of you know them.

[azsnowman]

Truly a sad story, the little girl was a *doll* and like Steve said, they were indeed fire ants. I've seen some hills of those little boogers here over the past few months while out in the field working, we've called the County Ag. Extension Officer and gave him the where abouts of these mounds, very dangerous ants for sure!

Dennis