Why Ants Bite Humans
WouterWhether it’s in the wild or at home, ants can bite humans. They do this to defend themselves. Some species of ants have stingers and others have jaws. They are all predatory animals.
When ants bite humans, they inject venom into the skin. This venom is acidic and causes pain. It can also cause swelling and itching. Some people are allergic to the venom. Symptoms include swelling, itching, and difficulty breathing.
An ant bite can be painful and leave a red pimple-like mark on the skin. The swelling may last for several days. If the swelling isn’t relieved, seek medical help.
In rare cases, the venom of some ants can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. If you experience an allergic reaction to ant venom, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical attention immediately. The venom can also cause hives, sneezing, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
Ant bites can be painful and can lead to an infection. If the bite is not treated, the infection can progress to a painful blister. If the blister is irritated, it may break, causing cellulitis. It may also leave scars.
In rare cases, an allergic reaction to ant venom can also cause severe systemic reactions. The symptoms of a severe systemic reaction include hoarseness of voice, chest pain, dizziness, and hypotension. If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten, call 911 immediately.
Ant bites can leave a pimple-like mark that looks like a bull’s eye. The mark usually begins to fade in two to three days.
