When do Harvester Ants Bite?

In addition to causing mayhem to the physical appearance of yards and commercial properties, Harvester ants attack when their nests are disturbed. Although harvester ants don’t invade structures, their nests, often located near homes or in yards places them in the category of “urban pests.” Though not aggressive by nature, with the exception of the red harvester ant, the harvester ant can deliver an especially painful sting, if provoked.

Risks of Harvester Ant Bites

Like many venomous insects, the venom of the Maricopa harvester ant consists of amino acids, peptides, proteins and most notably, an alkaloid poison that sends out a pheromone alarm, chemically alerting other ants in the area. This chemical signaling explains why ants all appear to sting as a unified force. The venom can also contain allergenic proteins that can set off a potentially lethal immune response in certain victims. Florida bug control recommends seeking professional medical treatment for children, the elderly and those with certain allergies. In otherwise healthy adults, pain from stings can last up to four hours, with residual swelling and pain afterward.