Can Ants Give You Bug Bites?
WouterTypically, ant bites and stings are not very dangerous. However, certain ant species can be dangerous. In these cases, you need to treat your bites with antibiotic ointment.
If you are allergic to ants, you should be treated immediately. This type of reaction is often called anaphylaxis, and can be life-threatening if you are not treated right away. In addition to swelling and redness, you may experience difficulty breathing and swallowing.
Severe systemic reactions can occur with certain types of ants, including fire ants. You may experience hoarseness, chest pain, dizziness, and flushing. These symptoms should be treated by your doctor or by taking an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) or going to the nearest emergency room.
Depending on the type of ant you are bitten by, your reaction can range from mild to life-threatening. This means that your reaction will be different if you are bitten by a red ant or a black ant.
In some cases, you may not even notice a bite. Ants can look like a single pimple or small welt. If you notice a welt, you should treat it as a wound and apply an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. You should also be careful not to scratch the area because it may become infected.
If you are bitten by fire ants, you may notice red marks on the skin. You may also feel a burning sensation. The swelling and redness may last for up to 7 days. If you experience severe pain and swelling, you should visit the emergency room.
