Ant Bites: Everything There Is To Know, And Beyond

Why do ants bite?

When ants feel threatened, they usually let out a bite or sting which feels different than those of the other insects, in particular. Having said that, these bites can be quite dangerous and even toxic in the case of ants of certain species. For example, red ant stings may not be too big an issue to deal with, but fire ant stings will definitely have you writhing in pain and agony.

What is an ant bite or sting?

Ants don’t literally 'bite’ you. They release a small drop of acidic venom from their mouths onto your skin which causes you to feel that blistering pain like a burn. This burning sensation lasts for a while or even longer depending on the type of ant you have been stung by.

Red and fire ants bite you with a similar process, though they produce different results. They do so by pinching your skin in between their mandibles and then releasing a small spurt of their acidic venom below your skin. This causes an immediate burning and blistering sensation, like a sting or a bite.

What do red ant stings feel like?

As mentioned before, ants bite you only when you disturb them, or they feel threatened by your presence. Red ant stings do burn but only for a short while. They may leave a small swelling on the site of the bite, but nothing more than that.

This sting is characterized by a burning sensation coupled with redness and swelling of the area. Although there is nothing to worry about even if you are bitten by a red ant, you must still look out for allergic reactions. Any allergic reaction that happens on your skin during this process will still prevail. In that case, you may have to go see a doctor.

What do fire ant stings feel like?

Fire ant bites are deadlier. They attack in swarms and successfully manage to cover the person who caused them to lose track of focus. Their stings even cause blisters in some people due to their sensitive skin. They also leave swollen red spots in the wake of their stings.

These stings can be really painful, especially as soon as the individual is bitten. In worse cases, they may even cause you to develop blisters. This will happen if your skin is highly allergic to fire ant stings. In that case, you definitely need to turn to medical help instead of home remedies.

Are fire ant and red ant stings dangerous?

Though these may seem deadly and sound dangerous, they can be easily dealt with by using home remedies to keep control until medical help arrives. There is no tedious process in order to treat a red ant or a fire ant sting.

What are the symptoms of ant bites?

Many times, we fail to notice that we have been bitten by an ant. In such a case, we tend to feel a burning sensation at the site of the infection without realizing that we have actually fallen prey to an ant sting. Major symptoms are:

• Burning
• Redness
• Swelling

How to get rid of ant bites overnight

One way to get rid of ant bites overnight is to use a cold compress. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can reduce inflammation, soothe itching, and help reduce swelling. The cold temperature from the compress also helps numb the pain associated with the bite. To make a cold compress, simply wrap some ice cubes in a thin cloth or paper towel and hold it against the area for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this process several times throughout the day until you experience relief from the symptoms. It’s also important to keep the affected area clean to prevent infection. Be sure to wash with soap and water, then apply an antibiotic ointment or cream. If you have a severe allergic reaction to an ant bite, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

Does toothpaste relieve ant bites?

Recent research has suggested that toothpaste can be used to relieve ant bites. Applying a small amount of toothpaste on the affected area is said to reduce inflammation and provide relief from the itching sensation. However, this method has not been thoroughly tested or proven in clinical trials, so it is not recommended as a first-line treatment for ant bites. If you choose to use toothpaste, always ensure that it is of suitable quality. Expired toothpaste can contain bacteria. Additionally, if the bite persists after using the toothpaste, seek medical advice immediately. 

What are medical treatments for ant bites?

One popular medical treatment that doctors resort to is using an EpiPen, short for epinephrine auto-injector. This is used to reverse the effects of ant bites on an individual’s skin, and cause it to get back to normal leaving its swelling and redness behind.

Doctors also use hydrocortisone cream or hydrocortisone injections if your body is still showing signs and symptoms of allergic reactions to the ant sting even after all the methods to combat it. Antibiotics work wonders for ant stings that are infected.

Need help to get rid of ants?

Now that you know enough about ant bites, you want to make sure they don’t come back to your home again. If you see ants have made their way into your home then you need to contact your local pest control company to get rid of the infestation for you. If you are located in the Des Moines, Omaha, Kansas City, Overland Park, or Olathe areas then Miller Pest & Termite can help you out!