What are Thatching Ants?
Thatching ants, also known as wood ants, roof ants, or Formica ants, belong to the genus Formica in the family Formicidae. There are over 200 species of thatching ants found throughout the world, mostly in forests and woodlands of the northern hemisphere. Some of the most common species in North America include the Allegheny mound ant (Formica exsectoides), the field ant (Formica incerta), and the black field ant (Formica subsericea).
Thatching ants are medium to large-sized ants measuring between 3-15 mm long. They are identified by their reddish-brown to black coloration, large mound nests made of needles, twigs and soil, and their habit of collecting plant sap for energy. Thatching ant workers have a broad head, large eyes, long legs, and a stinger for defense. Like other ants, they are eusocial insects with queens, workers, and males.
Thatching Ant Nesting Habits
Thatching ants build elaborate mound or dome-shaped nests above ground out of needles, twigs, soil, and other debris. Their nests can reach several feet tall and wide. The ants chew the vegetation into pulp to create the structural walls of the nest. Inside the nest are numerous chambers and galleries where the ants live and rear their young. Tunnels connect the interior rooms to the outside. The elevated design of their nests helps regulate temperature and prevent flooding.
Thatching ants are territorial and aggressive. They fiercely defend their large nests from intruders. When the nest is disturbed, swarms of angry worker ants will rush out to attack the perpetrator. They have a painful sting they can inflict in defense of their colony.
Thatching Ant Diet
Thatching ants are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. Worker ants forage for food outside of the nest during warmer months. Some of their common food sources include:
- Insect prey - worms, flies, caterpillars, spiders
- Honeydew produced by aphids or scale insects
- Fruits, seeds, and sap from trees
- Fungi
- Carrion from dead insects or animals
- Kitchen scraps from picnics and trash cans
Foraging worker ants bring the food back to the nest to share with the rest of the colony. Thatching ants help control pest insect populations, disperse plant seeds, and pollinate flowers in their habitat.
Do Thatching Ants Bite?
Thatching ants have mandibles or jaws that they use to bite. However, they rarely bite animals or humans unless extremely provoked. Their bites are not venomous and mostly used for carrying objects like food and nesting materials. If swarming thatching ants feel threatened, their primary means of defense is stinging.
Thatching Ant Stings
Like other ants, thatching ants have a stinger attached to their abdomen and inject venom when they sting. Worker ants are the main defenders of the colony. Their stings are quite painful as the injected venom contains formic acid and other irritating compounds.
Here are some key facts about thatching ant stings:
- Stings cause immediate burning pain and itching at the wound site.
- A red welt with a white pustule on top typically forms.
- The surrounding skin may become swollen, red, and inflamed.
- Sting reactions are usually localized but can sometimes spread over the limbs.
- The venom is meant to deter predators and other insects from disturbing their nests.
- Multiple stings can lead to generalized allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
While an individual sting is painful, thatching ants can sting repeatedly when provoked, leading to more severe reactions. The stings are not medically dangerous for most people, but can cause dangerous anaphylaxis in those allergic to ant venom.
Signs of a Thatching Ant Sting
It is easy to identify a thatching ant sting. Here are the main signs and symptoms to look for:
1. Sudden Pain at the Sting Site
You will feel an immediate sharp, burning pain where you are stung as the ant injects its venom. Thatching ant stings are quite painful given their large size and the substantial amount of venom yielded. The pain may radiate out from the sting site.
2. Raised Red Welt and White Pustule
A raised red welt with a white fluid-filled pustule on top quickly forms at the sting site. There will be a small puncture mark from the stinger in the middle of the pustule. The surrounding area often swells and reddens due to inflammation.
3. Itching
Thatching ant stings usually itch intensely. This is caused by the inflammatory and allergenic compounds in the venom. The itching may persist for a few hours or up to a day after being stung.
4. Localized Swelling
Some swelling and redness around the sting site is normal as your body reacts to the irritant compounds in the venom. If stung multiple times, swelling can encompass entire limbs.
5. Headache, Nausea, Dizziness
In those allergic to ant venoms, generalized symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, or vomiting may occur, especially with multiple stings. This indicates a more systemic reaction to the venom.
6. Breathing Difficulty, Low Blood Pressure, Loss of Consciousness
Severe anaphylactic reactions to ant stings can lead to dangerous symptoms like wheezing, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. Seek emergency care if these symptoms develop after being stung.
Thatching Ant Sting Treatment
Most thatching ant stings can be treated at home with some basic first aid. Here is how to treat a sting:
Remove the Stinger
A thatching ant can sting only once as its stinger becomes detached after stinging. Use tweezers to grasp the stinger and gently pull it straight out. Avoid squeezing the stinger pustule to prevent injecting more venom.
Clean the Site
Wash the sting area with soap and water to remove any venom on the skin's surface and prevent infection. Do not break any blisters that form.
Apply Ice
Icing the sting will help reduce swelling, inflammation, and itching. Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth for 10-15 minutes at a time.
Use Anti-Itch Creams
Antihistamine creams, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream can temporarily relieve itching at the sting site.
Take Antihistamines
Oral antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can reduce swelling, itching, and other allergic symptoms from a sting.
Use Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) will help relieve sting pain.
See a Doctor for Severe Reactions
Seek emergency medical care if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction like difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips/tongue, nausea/vomiting, or low blood pressure after being stung.
Preventing Thatching Ant Stings
You can take some simple precautions to avoid getting stung by thatching ants:
- Watch your step when walking
FAQs
What do thatching ant stings look like?
Thatching ant stings cause a raised red welt on the skin with a white fluid-filled blister on top. There will be a small puncture from the stinger in the middle. The surrounding area often swells up and becomes inflamed.
Do thatching ant stings spread infection?
No, thatching ant stings do not directly cause infection. However, scratching the sting site can introduce bacteria and lead to infection. Keep the area clean to prevent infection.
How long does a thatching ant sting hurt for?
The pain and itching from a thatching ant sting may persist for a few hours up to a day after being stung. Using ice, anti-itch creams, and antihistamines can help relieve these symptoms.
Can you be allergic to thatching ant stings?
Yes, some people may be allergic to the venom in thatching ant stings. An allergic reaction can cause hives, swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, vomiting, and anaphylaxis.
Should I see a doctor for a thatching ant sting?
In most cases you can treat a sting at home. Seek emergency care if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction like trouble breathing, swelling, or dizziness after being stung multiple times.
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.
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