The ants are one of the most common bugs that usually appear everywhere we go and that, although they seem harmless, they do not always tend to be. In case you did not know, these insects can come to attack if they feel threatened, causing different reactions in the affected person, some of which are more serious than others. Therefore, next we will talk about the ant bite and everything that should be known about it: how to differentiate them, what to do to avoid them and what measures to take for their treatment, among other important things that should be known.
How do you know if it is an ant sting?
As you know, there are different species of ants, all with small jaws that can be used to bite you. However, the ant bite that most tends to occur is that caused by fire ants, also called red ants. These small are attached to the skin with the help of their jaws and inject a poison that produces inflammation and redness of the skin, in addition to an intense itching.
Now, to know if it is a sting of these ants, it is important to know what this type of injury looks like. Normally, once the plague has attacked, a red welt immediately forms on the skin, followed by a blister, whose fluid becomes cloudy, which produces inflammation, burning or itching.
In short, knowing if you have been bitten by a fire ant is not really that difficult, since, in addition to the signs shown above, these bichillos tend to remain attached to the skin with their jaws, and it is you who should take the effort of remove them.
How to avoid an ant sting?
Since the bite of ants can cause some discomfort, especially if it is these red ants, it is essential to take certain precautionary measures to prevent the attack of these pests.
- Avoid stepping on ant colonies. If there is any in your garden, contact an expert in pest control to eliminate it.
- Protect yourself before going outdoors. If you go to the field or where these bugs can be, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and boots to keep them from getting on and giving you a bite.
- Spray insect repellent on your clothes. This will help keep the ants away.
What to do if an ant bites you?
If you have turned out to be the victim of an ant bite, it is important that you take action at the moment, especially if it involves the fire ants already mentioned, so that you can treat the wounds and reduce the discomfort they may cause.
Therefore, we recommend the following:
- If possible, keep the affected area elevated to help reduce inflammation.
- Wash the wound with plenty of soap and water, taking care and trying to remove all dirt and debris that may be near the affected area. This way you will avoid an infection.
- Apply a cold compress on the ant bite, or place ice on the affected area, this will reduce swelling and relieve itching.
- Try taking an antihistamine or apply some hydrocortisone cream to minimize pain and itching.
- Avoid scratching or bursting the blisters, as they could become infected. In case the blister breaks, wash the area with soap and water, and make sure that no infection has occurred. To know if this has happened, check if the area has become discolored or if you have begun to secrete pus. If this is the case, go to your nearest doctor.
Natural remedies for ants sting
If despite your efforts to avoid the bite of ants, have turned out to be a victim of these small, there are some home remedies that can be used to treat the problem.
- Alcohol and meat tenderizer: after removing the ants from your skin, disinfect the bites with alcohol, elevate the affected area and sprinkle a little meat tenderizer on the wound, in this way you can reduce the effects of the sting.
- Disinfectant of hands: this remedy is quite practical and accessible. If you have an ant bite, rub some hand sanitizer over the wound, this will relieve the burning and itching. It is advisable to take an antihistamine in a complementary way.
- Baking soda: a very simple and effective alternative to treat the ant bites is baking soda. To use it, mix a little baking soda with enough water to form a paste, and apply it over the affected area. You can do the same with baking soda and a few drops of vinegar. This will help reduce itching and redness.
- Ice: easy but very useful, applying a little ice or a cloth moistened with cold water can be used to relieve the symptoms of the ant sting. Try to apply it every 10 minutes, taking a short break between each application. Do not forget that ice can not be placed directly on the skin, as it could cause burns. Therefore, try to apply it wrapped in a cloth and not let it act for too long.
- Ammonia: immediately after being bitten, rinse the wound with ammonia. In case you do not know, many of the products to clean windows have ammonia among its components, so if you do not have ammonia, you can try one of them.
When to go to the doctor in front of an ant sting?
As we have said, many times the ant sting is harmless and it is enough to administer certain care at home. However, there may be occasional complications or adverse reactions, as tends to occur with the famous fire ant bite, which can put the patient’s health at risk if the patient is allergic to it.
In this sense, if the affected person begins to experience severe symptoms such as respiratory distress or a feeling of tightness in the chest and throat, it is mandatory to seek immediate medical assistance.
