Surviving the Challenge

 After two years of giving Jack Jumper ants a wide berth, killing off their nests, stomping on them, squooshing them, grinding them into the concrete, anything to avoid another sting which could give me a repeat anaphylactic episode, what should I do but submit myself to a sting challenge with my arch enemies.

Having been receiving desensitization treatment at the Jack Jumper Allergy Clinic in Hobart for just over a year, and with four years to go, this was the acid test to see if the treatment was working. Out he came to do his thing, and do it he did, not just some quick sting mind you, but the little bitey blighter had to attach for sixty seconds, something you’d never let them do if they attacked you in the backyard.

Thirty minutes later I was still in the land of the living so out came Ant No 2 to see if he could outdo his mate. He decided to let go after about thirty seconds so had to be encouraged to reattach and whoopee, did he ever do so with a vengeance. With the only reaction being a local one producing a nice big fat red forearm that resembled Popeye after downing his magical spinach, I then had to go back the next day for my usual treatment of a jab in the upper arm. Being one of the most toxic ants on the planet, it was most gratifying to know everything’s on track and that an accidental sting won’t cause a life or death incident in the future.

Which is just as well, for I stopped on top of the Great Western Tiers not far from home to check out the area burnt out by the bushfire before Christmas to take a few photos. Alpine bush is never particularly lush, but the landscape has taken on a much starker appearance, with rocks exposed even more than usual as all ground vegetation has gone. Our beautiful natural environment has many challenges of its own to meet, and the fact that a mere three months on it is showing its resilience and sending out shoots of new life to reclaim what has been lost is testament to its inbuilt survival mechanisms.

While standing amidst the strangely quiet blackened trees and charred rocks I had to chuckle, for there trekking down my shirt was a Jack Jumper, think he launched himself off the tree I was standing under. I could’ve stopped anywhere to take my photos, but it had to be that spot didn’t it. I’m convinced I send out pheromones that attract them from far and wide, for I found two new nests in the backyard when I did the mowing the other day. Can spot the blighters from 50 paces, though I think they can also do the same with me, but now I have the upper hand.