What Ants Bite in Illinois

Depending on the species and the aggressiveness of the ant, ant bites may be painful, itchy, or even life-threatening. These ants can also cause damage to your home and structures. There are a few types of ants that are commonly found in Illinois.

Fire ants are venomous insects that can cause painful and dangerous stings. They live in colonies and swarm when people step on the ground where they live. They are also common in the southeast U.S. A fire ant bite may appear as a red spot on the skin with a white center.

A fire ant bite can cause intense burning, swelling, itching, and pain. The pain and swelling may last for days, weeks, or even months. The blisters that form from the bites will fill with pus-like fluid. The blisters will disappear within 7 to 10 days.

Other types of ants are also pests and can cause significant damage to homes and structures. Argentine ants, for example, have been known to attack crops and rival colonies.

Pavement ants are small black or brown ants that are often found near areas of high foot traffic. They are active foragers and feed on food, pet food, and seeds. They build nests in cracks in pavement. They are most active at night.

Carpenter ants are common pests in Illinois. These ants have sharp mandibles and attack other insects. They are also known to nest indoors. They are black or reddish brown in color. Their typical adult size is 1/8 to 1/16 inch long.