Do Ants Cause Allergies?
WouterWhether you are new to the Midwest or have lived in the region for many years, you may be wondering if ants cause allergies. The truth is that the stings are generally mild, but a severe allergic reaction is possible. If you experience a serious allergic reaction, it is important to seek emergency medical care.
Most ant stings and bites will cause some itching, redness, swelling, and pain. However, a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, is possible. Symptoms can include trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, and hoarseness.
If you experience any of these symptoms after being stung by fire ants, seek medical attention immediately. You should carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of anaphylaxis. You should also consider using an insect repellent with DEET.
Fire ants are a common household pest. They build dirt nests in the ground, often obscuring them by vegetation. If you see ants in your yard, contact pest control to get rid of them. If you have a severe allergy to fire ants, ask your doctor whether you can get an allergy shot.
The most common symptoms of fire ant stings are redness, itching, swelling, and pain. It is important to treat ant bites like any other wound. You should wash and dry the bites, and try to minimize itching. A cool compress may help reduce swelling. If the swelling is severe, steroids may be necessary.
Ants have stingers on the bottoms or heads of their bodies. Their bites cause symptoms, but most ants do not have pinchers large enough to harm humans.
