How Do Ants Bite Humans?
WouterUsually, ant bites do not cause a lot of harm. However, they can be quite painful, depending on the species of ant and the venom they contain. In addition, some ants can be very aggressive.
The first thing to know is that all ants contain mandibles. Some species use them to bite and sting, while others only use them to attack other insects. Some ants, such as white ants, are predatory and can be very dangerous.
An ant bite is usually caused when an ant tries to protect its nest. Sometimes, ants are bitten because you have provoked them to attack. Some species of ants can even sting you multiple times. The sting is painful and sometimes it can cause swelling, itching and pain. If you have a sting from a stinging ant, you should avoid scratching as it will cause the blisters to pop out prematurely, which can cause infection.
Ants can also be a nuisance in your home. If you are allergic to their stings, you might want to avoid contact with them. Some species can be dangerous, such as white ants and harvester ants. Others, such as fire ants, are aggressive and can cause serious allergic reactions.
Ants are part of an insect order called Hymenoptera. Other insects belonging to this order include wasps and bees. They have mouthparts that are used to eat, but they do not use them to sting.
Some ants can cause a painful sting that is the same as an anaphylactic reaction. If you think you are allergic to ant bites, you should contact a doctor. It is also a good idea to carry an EpiPen or an epinephrine auto injector.
