Why Does Ants Bite?
WouterHaving a stinging ant attack can be a painful experience. Depending on the species, you can experience a burning sensation, itching, or swelling. You should take action to treat the bite, or it may result in an infection.
Most ant sting symptoms are mild, and they go away within a few hours. However, if you have a severe allergic reaction, you should seek medical assistance immediately. This is called anaphylaxis and can be very life-threatening.
If you have a severe reaction, you may experience difficulty breathing, hives, and wheezing. You may also experience dizziness, hoarseness, or chest pain. This is due to a chemical called venom. Ants use venom to kill prey, protect their colony, and immobilize predators. Ants also use formic acid to repel other insects.
If you have a severe reaction to an ant bite, you should call an ambulance. You can also purchase an EpiPen, a device that delivers a quick dose of epinephrine. You can also purchase a cream that contains one percent hydrocortisone. You should apply the ointment three times a day.
It is important to note that some ant species are known to be highly aggressive. This means that they are more likely to bite you, and to leave behind a painful, red mark.
Ant bites can be infected, and you should use antibiotic ointment to treat the wound. You should also avoid scratching the bite. If you do scratch the wound, bacteria can enter your body.
