Ant Bites and Treatment

Treating Ant Bites

Most bites and stings from insects bring some redness, mild swelling, soreness and itching. That kind of reaction is normal and usually clears up within a few hours to a few days. In most cases you can handle it at home. Cold helps first, whether an ice cube, a cold pack or a damp washcloth. For the itch, try calamine lotion, a paste of baking soda and water, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. A severe reaction is a medical emergency, so get help right away.

Which Florida ants bite or sting, and what to watch for

Most ants that wander into Florida kitchens, such as ghost ants, white-footed ants and crazy ants, do not sting and rarely bite hard enough to notice. The ant behind most painful encounters is the red imported fire ant, which is common in lawns, pastures and roadsides statewide. A fire ant grips the skin with its jaws and then stings, often several times, so stings tend to show up in small clusters or arcs.

The sting burns right away, then itches. Within about a day, many people develop a small white blister that looks like it is filled with pus. It is usually sterile. Leave it intact and keep it clean, because scratching it open is the main way these stings become infected. Florida carpenter ants can give a sharp pinch with their jaws but do not sting.

• Move away from the mound and brush ants off quickly, since they hold on while stinging.
• Wash the area with soap and water, then use the remedies above.
• Watch the spot for several days for spreading redness, warmth or drainage.

Get emergency care for trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, dizziness, or hives spreading beyond the sting site. Anyone who has reacted this way before should ask a doctor about an allergy plan. Small children, older adults and pets that cannot get away from a mound can be stung many times at once and should be checked if they seem unwell. Learn more on our ants page.