Understanding Red Headed Ants: Behavior, Treatment of Bites and Stings

Understanding Ants with Red Heads

Ants exhibit a wide variety of colors and markings across species. Some feature brighter red or orange heads in contrast to the rest of their bodies. We'll explore some of the more common ant species with reddish heads and what sets them apart.

Red Harvester Ants

One of the most widespread ants with red heads in North America is the red harvester ant (Pogonomyrmex barbatus). True to their name, these ants have deep red heads and mandibles that distinguish them from the darker abdomen and thorax.

Red harvester ant colonies can contain thousands of ants. They construct underground nests with extensive tunnels and chambers to house the queen, workers, eggs, and food stores. The entrance to nests often contain loose soil and small pebbles to prevent flooding.

These ants are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and dead animals. Their stings can be painful to humans if threatened as a defense. The sting contains venom more potent than a fire ant's.

Causes of Red Coloration

There are a few reasons why some ants feature reddish coloring on their heads:

• Physical adaptation - Darker colors absorb heat, helping ants warm up faster. Lighter colors reflect sunlight to prevent overheating.
• Camouflage - Some ants blend into the red soil found in areas they build nests.
• Warning coloration - Bright markings signal to predators that ants may defend themselves if provoked.

Other Ants with Red Heads

Some other ants share similar red hues on their head segments:

• Pavement ants (Tetramorium caespitum) - Common nuisance pest across the United States. Features reddish-brown heads and pale bodies. Builds nests in soil, under objects on pavement, etc.
• Thief ants (Solenopsis molesta) - Got their name for sneaking into the colonies of other ants to steal their resources undetected! Tinier than most ants, with yellowish-red heads and darker abdomen.
• Southern fire ants (Solenopsis xyloni)- Closely related to the red imported fire ant but less aggressive. Still delivers a painful sting if disturbed. Head and thorax reddish-orange in color.

Preventing Ant Bites and Stings

The vast majority of ants will not bite or sting unless they feel threatened or their nest is compromised. But knowing how to avoid accidentally provoking an attack can prevent discomfort.

Watch Where You Step

Outdoors, pay attention to the ground as you walk. Look for small mounds of loose soil that may mark an ant colony below. Stepping on an active nest will likely prompt attacking ants to defend it.

Wear Protective Clothing

In areas heavily populated with stinging ants, wear light colored long sleeve shirts and pants tucked into boots or socks. This creates barriers making it harder for the ants to sting exposed skin if disturbed.

Control Food Sources

Never eat outdoors without checking your surroundings first. Leftover scraps or sugary drinks attract foraging ants nearby. Sitting on or next to an ant nest while snacking invites pesky ants and potential bites/stings.

At picnics and barbecues, promptly clean up food spills and leftovers to avoid attracting ants back to the area later. Store all food containers securely in resealable bags or air tight containers.

Treating Ant Bites and Stings

Relieving Pain and Itching

Getting bit or stung by ants is no fun. The good news is that symptoms usually fade on their own within a few hours up to a couple days. Over the counter medications can help provide additional relief:

• Antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec, etc.) - Block histamine chemical reactions to reduce swelling, itching, and redness at bite/sting sites.
• Hydrocortisone cream - Lessen inflammation and irritation on skin from ant venom.
• Analgesics (Acetaminophen, Aspirin) - Alleviate pain signals to the brain at the wound location.
• Calamine lotion - Soothe itchy rashes from multiple ant bites.

Preventing Infection

Occasionally ant bites/stings can become infected from bacteria or excessive scratching. Look for symptoms like increased swelling, redness, warmth at the wound site or pus drainage up to a few days later. See a doctor right away if infection is suspected for proper treatment.

Otherwise keep bite/sting wounds clean and avoid scratching to lower infection risks. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage if needed while healing.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Most ant bites and stings induce mild reactions treatable at home. But multiple stings or allergic responses can quickly become medical emergencies requiring immediate care:

• Difficulty breathing - Symptom of anaphylaxis which can restrict airways. Call 911 if experienced.
• Numbness, hives, swelling in mouth/throat - Signs of dangerous allergic reaction.
• Dizziness, chest pain, nausea - Indicate possible toxic reaction from multiple stings.

Seeking prompt emergency treatment for severe ant sting reactions can halt progression of life threatening symptoms.

Prevent Ants from Nesting Near Your Home

Encountering ants with red heads or other species around your residence can be minimized through exclusion and sanitation measures:

• Seal cracks in foundations, walls, etc. to deny entry points into your home.
• Install weather stripping under doors to block gaps at thresholds.
• Keep counters and floors clear of food residue and spills ants can detect.
• Store food, especially sugars and grains, in airtight containers.
• Inspect for indoor nests under appliances, in wall voids, corners of rooms, etc.

Following proactive prevention steps discourages ants from taking up residence in or around your house. But if problems persist, consult a pest management professional for appropriate control treatments.

Coexisting Safely with Ants

Ants play important ecological roles like aerating soil, dispersing seeds, recycling nutrients, and controlling pests. Though we may prefer they keep their distance at times, a few simple precautions allow us to coexist safely with ants of all shades and sizes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.