[dtw]

Getting bitten by one fire ant is acutely painful. BTDT.
Getting bitten by half a dozen fire ants is very painful. BTDT.
Getting bitten bitten by two dozen fire ants is agony and feels like being set on fire in the zone being bitten. BTDT.
Getting bitten by 100+ is often a trip to the hospital. Have not BTDT, but a kid I knew growing up did, and he was in the hospital for days. Fell backwards right into the mound...they really did a number on him.

The little bastards bite in unison using pheromone signals. Between the simulcast biting and the venom they inject, it really is an amazing new form of pain you have to experience to believe.

The surprise factor is the worst. You can be outdoors focusing on your golf game, yard work, tending the grill...whatever. And a couple dozen will fan out on your ankle and lower leg without you noticing, then give the signal to bite. Complete surprise.

The aluminum trick is a good one and I have a hard time feeling bad for them. Invasive and nasty creatures.