The recent flooding of Hurricane Frances and more recently heavy rains from Ivan sent fire ants looking for higher ground.

Unfortunately, flood waters will not drown significant numbers of fire ants. Instead the fire ant colonies will actually form a ball, float, and flow with the water until they can erupt onto the first nice dry area they find.

Fire ant colonies also have been seen as ribbons and streamers of ants floating on the water. As the flood waters recede, these floating fire ant colonies will get onto anything that they contact. They are attracted to anything that might give them shelter until a mound can be established.

This means that piles of debris or items from flooded homes are extremely inviting to the fire ant. At this time, a general treatment for controlling the fire ants is out of the question. Each colony has to be dealt with on a site-by-site basis."

• Be cautious. Be aware that fire ants will be under almost anything. When you pick up debris, pay attention to what is on or in it -- especially if the debris has been sitting in one place for two to three days. Fire ants love to get under furniture, carpet strips, old wood, and re-establish their colonies.

• Protect yourself. Wear gloves, long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes. Spray insect repellent onto your shoes and lower pants leg. If you are using shovels or other tools, spread talcum powder on the handle. Fire ants cannot climb onto the powder-coated surface.

• For fire ants in debris piles, treat the pile with a good household or lawn and garden insecticide. Sprays with pyrethrum insecticides usually have a short residual. Come back later to pick up that pile of debris after the product has had a chance to control the fire ants.

• Don't use fire ant bait products now. Most of the mounds in flood areas are disorganized, and the bait products will not be effective.

• Treat a fire ant sting like a puncture wound. Use a good antibiotic cream to help prevent secondary infections. The fire ant venom is very complex, and many people may be allergic to it. After you are stung, if you notice a shortness of breath, unusual swelling of the sting area, or feel nauseous, please see a doctor.

• To relieve the irritation from a fire ant sting, use a good medication within the first 15-20 minutes. Some people have reported relief if they "dab" the sting area with ammonia, or a 50/50 solution of bleach and water, or cover it with a paste of meat tenderizer and water.

• Prepare for next year. Take preventive measures in the fall and again in the spring to help lower the numbers of fire ants colonies. Adopting a year-round maintenance program is the best means for reducing fire ant numbers during flood-prone times.