Invasive Ant Inquiries and Consultations
Please be cautious of fire ants
The red imported fire ant, which has a strong venomous sting and is designated as an invasive species, has been confirmed in the country. If you find a creature that you suspect to be a red imported fire ant, please be very careful not to touch it to avoid being bitten or stung. In particular, the venomous sting can still be effective even if the ant is dead, so please do not touch it with bare hands.
In case of being bitten by a fire ant
As symptoms that appear in all individuals, there is an intense pain that feels hot at the moment of being stung, a small redness appears at the site of the sting, and by the next day, pus may accumulate in the center of the redness. After that, the skin symptoms gradually improve.
However, individuals with an allergic constitution to fire ants' venom may experience allergic reactions (anaphylactic shock) such as hives, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and altered consciousness.
If you feel any abnormalities such as poor physical condition, please seek medical attention immediately.
For detailed characteristics and precautions regarding the red imported fire ant, as well as how to respond if you find one or get stung, please refer to the information below.
About Consultation Desk
The Ministry of the Environment has established a consultation hotline for fire ants and a consultation window through a chatbot (automated conversation program).
Phone number: 0570-046-110
(For IP phone: 06-7634-7300)
Reception days: Every day including weekends and holidays (except from December 29 to January 3)
Reception hours: 9 AM to 5 PM
Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We will answer your questions about the ecology of fire ants, how to identify them, and how to deal with them.
For detailed information on dangerous invasive species such as fire ants
For detailed information about fire ants, please visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Environment Bureau website.
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Inquiries about this page
Inagi City Urban Environment Management Department Living Environment Division
2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City, Tokyo 206-8601
Phone number: 042-378-2111 Fax number: 042-377-4781
Contact Inagi City Urban Environment Management Department Living Environment Division