Everything You Need to Know About Ant Bites

While most ants are harmless, a few species in the United States — such as fire ants, red harvester ants, and carpenter ants — can deliver painful bites or stings. In rare cases, their bites may cause a severe allergic reaction.

Here’s what to know about these types of ants, what their stings or bites look and feel like, and what to do if you’re bitten or stung.

It’s a common misconception that fire ants bite. “Fire ants don’t bite. They deliver a sting via their tail,” says Michael Merchant, PhD, professor emeritus of entomology at Texas A&M University in Dallas. “Only the females sting, and their stinger is very sharp and delivers venom.” Dr. Merchant says fire ants are well named because their sting causes a hot, fiery sensation on the skin.

It’s possible to be stung by a lone fire ant. “You may be outside working in a garden and get just one on your arm or leg,” says Merchant. “But commonly people make the mistake of stopping and standing on a mound without realizing it, so they end up covered and they get hundreds of stings.”

Other Symptoms

A fire ant’s stinger is not barbed, so it can sting multiple times. “You may see a row of red marks, and that’s where one ant has grabbed on and stabbed its stinger down in a semicircle,” he says.

What to Do About Them

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Difficulty breathing
• A rapid heart rate
• A swollen throat, arms, or legs
• Dizziness or a sharp drop in blood pressure

Like fire ants, they sting rather than bite. And they release venom, typically only when their nests are disturbed, Merchant says.

Other Symptoms

What to Do About Them

If you’re stung by harvester ants, move away from the area immediately to prevent more stings. Clean the affected area with soap and water. Apply a cold compress or ice pack to reduce swelling and pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Rapid swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Widespread rash or hives
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Vomiting
• Chest pain

Like their name suggests, carpenter ants like to nest within wood. But they do not eat it like termites. Carpenter ants are large, with some types about a half inch long. They can be black, red, brown, or yellow.

Carpenter ants try to escape, not swarm and attack, when confronted by humans, Merchant says. They have strong jaws and spread formic acid at the site of the bite rather than releasing venom through their stinger. Formic acid is a type of chemical that can cause irritation.

Other Symptoms

What to Do About Them

Clean the affected area with soap and water immediately. If your skin is broken, apply an antibiotic ointment. A cold compress or ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb the pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips or tongue
• Dizziness

The best way to avoid being bitten or stung by an ant is to know where they hang out.

Carpenter ants, on the other hand, show up inside homes and other wooden structures. They tend to bite only if handled or touched, such as if you try to squash them or swipe them away.

• Fire ants, red carpenter ants, and red harvester ants are three types of ants that can cause painful bites and stings. Fire ants are typically found in the South, while red harvester ants and carpenter ants can be found in the Southwest.
• While most ant bites and stings don't require medical attention, seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling or breathing difficulties. These may indicate anaphylaxis and require emergency medical care.
• To prevent ant bites and stings, learn about their habits and what their nests look like so you can avoid disturbing them.