Flying Ant Bites: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Methods

Flying Ant Bites: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Flying ants can deliver painful bites and stings if provoked. Though not aggressive by nature, they will defend themselves and their nest if they feel threatened. Understanding the signs of ant bites, how to treat them, and prevention methods can help you avoid and manage any encounters with these insects.

Identifying Flying Ants

Flying ants are winged reproductive ants that emerge from the nest during mating seasons. There are several different species, but they share some common identifying features:

• Two pairs of wings - front pair larger than hind pair
• Longer antennae than worker ants
• Narrow waists with defined thorax and abdomen
• Typically between 12-15mm in length

Swarms appear for mating flights on warm, humid days. After mating, the males die and females shed their wings to start new colonies. Flying ants are often mistaken for termites - key differences are ants have elbowed antennae and narrow waists.

Signs of Bites and Stings

Flying ants can inflict bites and stings with their mandibles and abdomens when threatened. Stings typically occur if the ant gets trapped against bare skin. Bites happen more frequently on hands and feet when ants land during mating flights.

Look for the following symptoms if you suspect an ant bite/sting:

• Sharp burning pain at site of bite
• Red raised welt or small puncture wound
• Swelling around area of bite
• Itching, stinging, or throbbing sensation
• Blisters or hives in some cases

The bite marks may not be obvious like a mosquito or spider bite. You may simply notice a red inflamed lump. Reaction severity depends on sensitivity and number of stings. Multiple stings increase risk of allergic reaction.

Treatment for Bites and Stings

Flying ant bites and stings are generally harmless, but can be quite painful. Use these tips to treat the bites and relieve discomfort:

• Clean the bite thoroughly with soap and water to remove any venom/irritant
• Apply cold compress to reduce swelling and pain
• Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Use hydrocortisone cream to ease itching and irritation
• Monitor bites for signs of infection and see doctor if concerning symptoms arise

Avoid scratching the bites as this can cause infection. Seek medical treatment right away if you experience signs of allergic reaction like difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or anaphylaxis.

Preventing Bites and Stings

Use caution around flying ants during mating season to avoid bites and stings. Here are some tips for prevention:

• Cover skin by wearing long sleeves, pants, socks when outdoors
• Don't disturb or stand near ant nests
• Avoid swatting at flying ants - remain calm and still if they land on you
• Apply insect repellent if spending time outdoors when swarms are present
• Seal any cracks or crevices where ants could enter your home
• Inspect window and door seals for gaps
• Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving crumbs/spills
• Inspect cut flowers and plants for insects before bringing indoors

Keeping skin covered and avoiding agitating ant nests are the two best defenses. Flying ants do not intend to sting unless they feel threatened. Staying calm improves your chances of avoiding stings during mating swarms.

Risk of Disease Transmission

For the most part, flying ant bites do not transmit any diseases to humans. However, there are a few rare exceptions to note:

Ant Bite Fever

This condition is caused by a bacterial pathogen found in a small number of flying ant species. The bacteria Bartonella quintana may be transmitted through bites, entering via the wound. Symptoms include:

• Painful nodes in armpit/groin
• Fever and chills
• Headache and body aches
• Rash in some cases

Ant bite fever requires treatment with antibiotics like doxycycline or gentamicin to resolve. See a doctor right away if bite symptoms seem to be spreading or worsening.

Histoplasmosis

This fungal infection can develop after inhaling contaminated dust from bird or bat droppings accumulated in old ant nests. Spores of Histoplasma capsulatum fungus may be released if nest sites are disturbed.

Symptoms appear within 3-17 days and may include:

• Fever, chills, body aches
• Headache, cough, chest pain
• Fatigue and weakness

Histoplasmosis requires antifungal medications; severe cases may need hospitalization. Wear protective gear when working near old ant nesting areas to avoid exposure.

Identifying Different Ant Bite Types

There are hundreds of flying ant species which can make identification tricky after a bite occurs. However, some common groups to be aware of include:

Carpenter Ants

• Most common ant in the U.S. and Canada
• Nest in moist wood - can damage structures
• Large ants ranging from 5-20 mm long
• Black, red, or a mix of both in color
• Painful stings with localized swelling

Fire Ants

• Aggressive ants with potent venom
• Distinctive red color with darker abdomen
• Nest in lawns, gardens, pastures
• Inflict painful burning stings that form blisters
• Can be life-threatening to those allergic

Harvester Ants

• Strong biters with large mandibles
• Common in arid climates like deserts
• Often reddish in color with coarse, dull bodies
• Bites cause local itching, swelling, irritation
• Can spray formic acid for defense

Pharaoh Ants

• Extremely small yellowish-brown ants 2mm long
• Prevalent around homes and buildings
• Omnivores that feed on foods, dead insects, etc.
• Stings produce localized itching and swelling
• Can transmit pathogens causing nosocomial infections

Take note of any distinguishing characteristics to help identify the ant species. Correct ID can aid treatment if there are species-specific concerns like fire ant venom toxicity.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most flying ant bites and stings can be treated at home with basic first aid and monitoring. However, seek prompt medical care if you experience:

• Signs of severe allergic reaction - difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/throat, chest tightness, dizziness, trouble swallowing, etc.
• Extensive swelling, redness, pain spreading from the bite site
• Flu-like symptoms accompanied by painful lymph nodes after the bite
• Fever, chills, headache and other signs of infection
• Multiple stings with severe pain and swelling

Let your doctor know you suspect an ant sting and describe any symptoms you've experienced since the bite. Prompt treatment can address allergic reactions, infection risk, and excessive swelling/pain.

First Aid for Ant Bites and Stings

Having a first aid plan ready can help you respond appropriately if you or someone else suffers flying ant bites/stings:

Supplies to Have on Hand

• Antihistamines - treat allergic reactions
• Hydrocortisone cream - reduces itching/swelling
• Antiseptic wash - cleans bite site
• Calamine lotion - soothes skin irritation
• Anti-itch creams
• Pain medications
• Epinephrine pen - severe allergic reaction treatment

Treating Mild Reactions

1. Clean bite with soap and water
2. Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
3. Take antihistamine by mouth if needed for itching
4. Apply hydrocortisone and antiseptic to bite
5. Take pain reliever as needed
6. Monitor for worsening symptoms

Treating Severe Reactions

1. Call emergency services immediately if person has difficulty breathing, feels faint, or has facial/throat swelling
2. Use epinephrine pen if one is available and you know how to administer it
3. Keep person calm and still to avoid worsening reaction
4. Apply ice pack to reduce swelling as able
5. Get person to emergency room as quickly as possible

Having proper first aid understanding can make a big difference in bite outcomes. Stay calm but act quickly if any signs of severe allergic reaction present.

When to Call an Exterminator

Flying ant swarms around your home likely indicate a nest nearby that should be treated professionally. Call an exterminator if you notice:

• Large numbers of flying ants inside or near your home
• Multiple sightings of flying ant swarms over a period of days/weeks
• Evidence of an indoor nest like wings, ant bodies, sawdust piles
• Carpenter ants in wetwood inside home - structural damage risk
• Ants repeatedly coming indoors from outdoor nests
• Difficulty keeping ants away from pet food bowls, kitchen, bathroom, etc.

Extensive nests often require professional grade pesticides, baits, and exclusion tactics to eliminate. This can prevent recurrence of swarms and protect against damage from carpenter ant nests.

Choosing an Exterminator

Look for an established, licensed pest control company with specific experience treating ants. Warning signs of an unqualified exterminator include:

• Lack of licensing
• No insurance or liability coverage
• Reluctance to answer questions
• Limited ant treatment methods
• Prices that seem too good to be true

A reputable exterminator will visually inspect to pinpoint nest locations, identify species, and customize a treatment plan based on your situation.

Preparing for Treatment

To allow for effective ant nest treatment:

• Clear any items/debris blocking potential nest sites
• Make attics and crawl spaces accessible if possible
• Trim vegetation and branches touching exterior walls
• Schedule pets to be out of the home during application
• Clean counters and empty trash to remove food sources
• Listen carefully to any prep instructions provided

Cooperating with your exterminator helps maximize treatment effectiveness for long term ant elimination.

Natural Ways to Deter Ants

There are also some DIY options to try and deter ants from your home without pesticides:

Sanitation

Practice good sanitation by keeping counters clean, sweeping up crumbs, and eliminating exposed food/standing water. Ants will have no reason to come inside if they have no food source.

Seal Points of Entry

Caulk cracks in walls, weather strip doors/windows, and seal other potential entry points so ants can't find a way inside.

Use Natural Repellents

Certain strong scents deter ants, like cinnamon, mint, citrus, and pepper. Try spraying these oils or whole spices along entry points.

Outsmart with Traps

Lure ants into traps with a sweet bait, or use sticky traps to catch them. This method doesn't kill the colony but can reduce numbers inside.

Deploy Ant Predators

Natural ant predators like phorid flies or nematodes can be purchased to attack and kill ant colonies in yards and gardens.

Natural methods may be less potent on extensive nests, but work well for deterring stray foraging ants that enter a home.

When Ants Bite: Key Takeaways

• Flying ants bite and sting primarily in self defense if provoked or trapped against skin
• Bites present as red, swollen marks that cause localized pain, itching, and irritation
• Treatment involves cleaning the bite, cold compresses, OTC medications, and topical hydrocortisone
• Prevention methods include protective clothing, avoiding nests, and repellents
• Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reaction which require urgent medical care
• Call an exterminator for extensive nests near the home
• Practice proper first aid for bites - have emergency supplies ready

Understanding flying ant behavior and using sensible precautions can help avoid the majority of bites. Their stings can be painful but are rarely cause for serious medical concern with proper treatment. Stay vigilant and take sensible precautions when these insects are swarming near your home.

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.