How Do Black Ants Bite?

Generally, black ants do not view humans as prey. They will usually swarm around and try to find water. This is often a sign that they are defending their nest.

Although ants can sting you, they rarely cause serious medical problems. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 immediately. A doctor may need to be called to help you recover.

If you are allergic to ants, you will be more likely to experience a sting. The symptoms of an allergic reaction to an ant bite can include redness, swelling, and itching. You may also experience hives, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms.

Depending on the ant bite, treatment can vary. In mild cases, you may just need to wash the affected area with soap and water. You may also apply anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Alternatively, you can apply bandages to help keep bacteria from entering the wound.

If you’re allergic to ants, you should avoid being around them. If you’ve already been bitten by an ant, you may want to take an antihistamine to help you manage the itching.

If you are bitten by a fire ant, you’ll experience a hot, burning sensation. If the ant’s venom gets into your system, you may experience flu-like symptoms, dizziness, abdominal cramping, and nausea.

Fire ants also use stingers to deliver their venom. They are named for the hot, fiery sensation you feel when they bite.

There are approximately 1,000 species of ants in North America. If you’re allergic to ants, it’s important to identify which species you are allergic to so that your provider can offer the correct treatment.