The fact that nearly all of the older children had antibodies to fire ant venom likely reflects their having been stung multiple times, according to Partridge's team.
Repeated exposure to the venom increases the chances of developing an allergy. However, frequent exposure to the toxin may also cause desensitization to occur.
Experts recommend that children living in ant-infested areas always wear socks and shoes outdoors. Families with fire ant mounds in their yard can use insecticides to try to get rid of the pests.
Research has suggested that topical insect repellants are not a good fire ant defense.
SOURCE: Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, January 2008.
