Can You Use Ants to Close a Wound?

Using ants to close a wound is a practice that has been documented since ancient times. The practice was used in Indian surgery until the early Renaissance.

In the wild, the leaf-cutter ant is commonly used to close wounds. It has several body types, including a soldier caste, which defends its colony. It has a larger mandible and is suitable for wound closure. It is found in Central and South America.

Soldier ants do not transmit infection. Their mandibles are strong and will clamp shut to close a wound. They can be used to close cuts and gapping wounds. They are also not recommended for suturing intestines.

Some ants also use their mouths to close wounds. The mandibles will clamp shut and the mouth will pinch the skin together.

If you have an ant bite, apply antibiotic ointment to the wound to prevent infection. This is recommended for at least three days. You can also use 1% hydrocortisone cream to help with itching.

Another type of ant, the Dolyrus ant, has mandibles that are strong enough to close wounds. These ants have the most painful sting of any hymenoptera. They are also the only ants to use their mandibles as a suture.

While it is possible to use ants to close a wound, the benefits are minimal. In fact, ants are not motivated by empathy. If the wound is too severe, licking for a few minutes might not be enough. You might need to lick for an hour or more.