Content Updated: March 18th, 2025

Have you ever been bitten or stung by an ant? You might not even realize it at the time, especially if it was only a single ant. While some people have minor symptoms after an ant bite, others may have serious allergic reactions that require medical attention. Being able to recognize the signs of an ant bite or sting means you’ll be prepared to treat them if necessary.

Here’s what you should know about ant bites and stings—including how to prevent them in the first place.

What do ant bites look like?

Most ant bites are minor and look like a raised bump with a little bit of redness that lasts a few hours. At the most, a local reaction may range from five to 10 cm in diameter and look like a red, itchy rash with blisters and swelling in some cases.

Fire ant bites

If you encounter a fire ant nest, you’ll most likely get stung. Fire ants tend to swarm, so you might get multiple bites before you realize what is happening. At first, you’ll notice a burning sensation followed by itchy, red bumps or welts that usually develop in a circular or semicircular pattern. After a few hours, the bumps may turn into blisters that will eventually fill with white or yellow fluid. It could take up to seven to 10 days for the rash to heal on its own.

Types of ants that bite vs. sting

Most species of ants—and there are thousands—pose no threat to humans or animals. They are much too small to cause any physical damage and may not even be able to break human skin if they try. But there are a few types of ants that do bite or sting if they sense danger or feel their nest is being threatened.

Carpenter ants are on the larger side, and they have been known to bite once in a while, although it’s rare. If a carpenter ant bites you, it was in self-defense, and the symptoms—if you notice any—won’t last long.

Fire ants and harvester ants are the types you need to watch out for. Both can deliver a painful sting when they feel threatened. When a fire ant attacks, it attaches its mandibles to your skin before curving back and sticking its stinger into your skin, injecting venom.

How to treat ant bites

Depending on the severity of your ant bites, there are a few remedies for mild symptoms. Try applying ice or a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling. Taking an antihistamine right away may help reduce the initial itchiness, and applying hydrocortisone cream daily can help the rash heal.

For severe reactions, seek medical attention. Prescription-strength steroid creams or an epinephrine injection might be required. Avoid squeezing or popping the blisters, and be sure to keep them clean during the healing process to avoid infections and scarring.

Allergic reactions to ant bites

If you have an ant allergy, symptoms like redness, swelling, and itching might be more severe. If you experience a systemic reaction, your whole body is affected. Symptoms may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, swollen tongue, or trouble breathing or swallowing. Rarely, fire ant bites can cause anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms include dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even cardiac arrest.

How to help prevent ant bites

The best way to prevent ant bites is to simply avoid contact with ants in the first place. Unfortunately, you don’t always know they’re there, like when you’re going to the park for a picnic and accidentally set up your blanket on top of a fire ant hill.

To be extra careful, use insect repellent if you’re going to be spending time outside or anywhere that ants might be present. Keep your property ant-free with the help of a professional pest control expert like Terminix.