How Do Fire Ants Disrupt Military Readiness and Put Troops at Risk?

New USU-Walter Reed Research Shows Fire Ant Venom is a Growing Hazard for Service Members

Fire ants, which have surpassed bees, wasps and yellowjackets, combined, as the leading

causes of allergic reactions from stinging insects, pose a serious risk to military readiness.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

April 2, 2025 by Sharon Holland

Fire ants are aggressive insects known for their painful stings and fiery-red color. Native to South America, they have spread throughout the southern United States, thriving in warm climates. These ants are notorious for swarming anything that disturbs their nests. They can also be a serious health threat, especially for those allergic to their venom. 

Recent research by a team of Federal investigators has uncovered a troubling trend—fire ant venom, a potent mix of toxins, is now a leading cause of severe allergic reactions, surpassing bee, yellowjacket and wasp stings combined. And for service members, this emerging threat could have serious consequences.

The study, “Fire ant-venom anaphylaxis prevalence in the general population and patients with systemic mastocytosis,” published in Frontiers in Allergy on March 30, 2025, highlights the growing prevalence of fire ant-venom anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Individuals with systemic mastocytosis, a condition where the body’s mast cells (white blood cells that play a key role in the body’s immune response system) are overly activated, face even higher risks. Even small amounts of venom can lead to extreme symptoms, including difficulty breathing, blood pressure drops, organ failure, or even death. 

According to the study authors, led by U.S. Army Capt. (Dr.) Jeremy McMurray, assistant professor of Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University (USU), and a pediatric allergist-immunologist with Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s Systemic Mastocytosis Center of Excellence, and U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. (Dr.) Nathan Boggs, allergist and associate professor in USU's Department of Medicine, fire ants are most prevalent in the southeastern part of the U.S., but their range has been expanding, making them a risk in areas previously unaffected. 

The rising number of incidents suggests a need for greater awareness, especially as more people unknowingly develop allergies to fire ant venom. For military personnel, a severe allergic reaction isn’t just a medical emergency—it’s a potential readiness issue. The study revealed that fire ant venom is now the primary cause of severe allergic reactions among Tricare beneficiaries, including active-duty military personnel and their families. 

Fire ants are found in various regions across the globe where service members are deployed, and an allergic reaction in such environments could pose serious threats to both individual health and mission readiness. The military is already aware of the risks posed by insect venom, but with fire ants becoming an increasingly common cause of anaphylaxis, new strategies for prevention and treatment are necessary. 

Traditional immunotherapy treatments for venom allergies require monthly injections over several years, which are only available at specialized medical facilities. This creates logistical challenges for service members deployed to areas with limited access to such care. Moreover, these treatments require refrigeration, making them impractical for field operations.

McMurray and Boggs are exploring novel treatments that are more accessible and require less long-term commitment. One promising avenue is a daily oral medication taken only when ant exposure is expected to occur, which could provide a practical solution by eliminating the need for immunotherapy refrigeration and making treatment more suitable for military personnel in diverse environments.

“USU may play a critical role in advancing these new treatments over the next 5-10 years,” says Boggs. “Developing effective, deployable therapies will be key to ensuring service members remain protected and mission-ready, no matter where they serve.”