The red and black three-segmented insect is called Ba Khoang Ant, which resembles an ant. Ba Khoang Ant does not sting or bite, but its body fluid contains pederin, a toxic substance that causes blistering and skin irritation. In addition, Ba Khoang Ant can also cause Paederus dermatitis (a type of skin inflammation when bitten by insects). Ba Khoang Ant is an insect that feeds on other insects, particularly grasshoppers in the fields.
1. Why shouldn’t you squash Ba Khoang Ant?
- The toxic substance of Ba Khoang Ant spreads faster when it is squashed on the skin, causing the affected area to spread quickly and become more severe.
- The toxins released when squashing Ba Khoang Ant aggravate the wound, and the toxicity becomes more severe on areas with thinner skin, such as hands, neck, chest, and face.
- If not treated promptly, the affected area from the ant bite will spread, causing fever or scarring.
2. How to identify if you have been bitten by Ba Khoang Ant
- The wound caused by Ba Khoang Ant appears as a thin burn-like mark, following the direction of the ant’s movement. The wound may have small blisters, and the most severely affected area will have a red line.
- Ants usually appear on exposed parts of the body that cannot be covered by clothing, such as arms, neck, shoulders, and face.
- Ba Khoang Ant can spread when you squish them with your hand and then touch other adjacent areas. Therefore, be especially cautious, especially when it comes to children.
- When children are exposed to Ba Khoang Ant, they may experience mild fever and swollen lymph nodes in the affected areas.
3. What to do when you are bitten by Ba Khoang Ant
- When bitten by Ba Khoang Ant, the affected area will become red and swollen. Immediately use water or physiological saline to gently clean the wound. Use soothing and disinfecting substances to apply on the wound to reduce swelling and blistering.
- If the swelling persists, apply cold water to reduce swelling over a wide area of the skin.
- If the blister becomes pus-filled, use methylene blue solution to apply on the pus to disinfect and prevent infection.
- When the wound dries and is no longer pus-filled, use antibiotic ointments to speed up the healing process.
- If the wound is severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor for prescription medication and topical ointments.
C. Effective methods to exterminate Ba Khoang Ant with pointed tail
Rainy season is a favorable time for Ba Khoang Ant to thrive. With their small size, Ba Khoang Ants often blend in with curtains, nets, blankets, clothes, etc. Here are some natural and chemical methods to exterminate Ba Khoang Ants.
1. Lemongrass essential oil:
Ba Khoang Ants are very afraid of the smell of lemongrass essential oil, so using lemongrass essential oil to drive Ba Khoang Ants out of the house is a natural and safe method. Even houses with babies can use this method.
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How to use:
- Spray: Mix 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil with 100ml water, spray it in the corners and curtains inside the house.
- House cleaning: Add about 20 drops of lemongrass essential oil to the cleaning water, use a mop to thoroughly clean the house.
- Aromatherapy: Use an aromatherapy lamp, diffuser, or oil burner to diffuse lemongrass essential oil. This not only creates a pleasant scent but also helps to repel Ba Khoang Ants from high-rise buildings.
- Planting: Plant 1-2 lemongrass plants in pots near the house. The scent of lemongrass plants will effectively repel Ba Khoang Ants from apartment buildings.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of Ants
Ants are a common household pest that can cause a lot of anxiety and discomfort. Their bites can cause swelling, small blisters, a burning sensation, and even fever and swollen lymph nodes. Because of these issues, many people are concerned about getting rid of ants in their homes. In this article, we will explore some effective strategies for eliminating ant infestations.
