Pavement Ants Bites and Treatments

Do Pavement Ants Bite?

Pavement ants carry a small stinger but seldom use it on people, and the sting is very mild.

Pavement Ant Stings: Mild, but Know the Difference

When a pavement ant’s sting does get through, it feels like a brief pinch or prick. You might see a tiny red spot that fades within hours. Swelling, blistering or lasting pain are not typical.

In Florida, if ants near your driveway or patio left burning welts, the culprit was almost certainly fire ants. Fire ant stings burn right away, and within about a day many turn into small white pustules. Little fire ants, found in parts of Central and South Florida, leave itchy red welts and often drop from trees and shrubs onto people working in the yard.

First aid for a pavement ant sting:

• Brush the ants off and wash the area with soap and water.
• Apply a cold compress if it stings.
• For itching, an over-the-counter anti-itch cream helps.

Allergic reactions to pavement ants are rare. Still, anyone who develops hives, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or trouble breathing after an insect sting needs emergency care. If you know you’re allergic to ant stings, follow your doctor’s plan.

The more practical concern is contamination. Foraging pavement ants walk through garbage, dead insects and outdoor dirt before reaching countertops, so throw out food they’ve gotten into and wipe surfaces with soapy water. For pets, keep ants out of food bowls by setting the bowl in a shallow dish of water. Next steps are on how to get rid of pavement ants.