Acrobat Ants Bites and Treatment

Treating Acrobat Ant Bites

Most acrobat ant bites leave a small red spot that may swell slightly, sting for a moment and then itch. The irritation usually fades within a few hours, though some people notice it for a day or two. Simple care at home is normally enough. Hold something cold against the spot, such as an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, to calm the swelling. For itching, try calamine lotion, a paste of baking soda and water, or an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. A strong reaction is a different matter and needs prompt medical care.

What an Acrobat Ant Bite Feels Like

Acrobat ants are far less troublesome to people than fire ants. Workers bite when their nest is disturbed or when one gets pinned against skin, and many also give off a strong, unpleasant odor as a defense. The bite is a quick pinch from tiny jaws.

Could it be fire ants instead? In Florida, that is the more useful question. Fire ants sting over and over, and within about a day each sting usually turns into a small white pustule. Acrobat ant bites do not form pustules. If you were working near a mound in the lawn rather than near rotting wood, tree limbs or a wall, fire ants are the likely cause. The ants page covers the common Florida species.

Real health risks

• Acrobat ants are not known to spread disease to people.
• Allergic reactions are uncommon, but anyone with a known insect allergy should watch closely after a bite.
• The more common problem is scratching, which can break the skin and let bacteria in.

First aid and when to get help: Wash the spot with soap and water and keep it clean. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, dizziness, or hives spreading across the body. See a doctor if redness keeps growing after a day or two, the area turns warm and painful, or pus or a fever develops. For a pet, call your vet if you notice facial swelling, vomiting or weakness after contact with ants.