This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
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Fire ant stings can be painful and irritating, but most people don’t need medical treatment for them. Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce the pain and itching and help your sting heal as fast as possible. However, in rare cases, it’s possible to be allergic to fire ant stings. We’ve put together answers to some of the questions you may have about getting stung by a fire ant.
Steps
What do you put on fire ant bites?
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1Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. A cold compress can help reduce the swelling. Hold the cold compress against the affected area for 20 minutes, then remove it and let the area rest for 20 minutes. Repeat the process until your skin feels better and is less swollen.[1]
- Make a cold compress by filling a plastic bag with ice cubes. Soak a washcloth under cool running water, then wrap it around the bag of ice. Press the cloth directly against your skin.
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2Use a hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. Buy hydrocortisone cream over the counter at any pharmacy or drugstore. Rub a little bit onto your skin wherever you were bitten to reduce the itchiness and irritation while it heals.[2]
- You can also use calamine lotion to treat the itchiness.
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3Try rubbing the sting with a paste made from water and baking soda. This is a home remedy that may work to reduce itching, swelling, and redness. Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste. Apply the paste to your bites several times a day until your symptoms get better.[3]
How long do fire ant bites last?
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1The initial pain and burning subside after 10 minutes or so. When a fire ant stings you, it feels a bit like a less-painful bee sting. The painful sensation goes away on its own and after that your skin starts to feel itchy. This itchiness can last for weeks after the sting.[5]
- It’s normal for the swelling in the bitten area to continue increasing for the first 24 hours.
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2A pimple-like pustule forms within 24 hours and disappears after 3 days. For most people, the pustules dry up completely after a few weeks. After they dry up, they may leave a brown scar that can last for several months or longer.[6]
- Don’t worry if the sting turns red after the pustule forms. This is normal and doesn’t mean it’s infected.
How do you keep fire ants from biting you?
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1Move out of the area if you find fire ants on your body. Most stings occur when people accidentally step into or sit on a fire ant mound, disturbing hundreds of thousands of fire ants primed to defend their home. If you start seeing any fire ants on your body, the first thing to do is get up and leave the area as quickly as possible.[10]
- If you feel a fire ant bite you, leave the area immediately to prevent further ants crawling on you and getting more bites.
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2Remove any ants from your skin. Fire ants clamp onto the body with their mandibles before they actually sting you. Quickly rub them off with your hand or a rag to remove them before they bite.[11]
- Jumping into water or running the ants under a spigot will not remove them if they have already clamped down with their mandibles.[12]
- If there's a chance more ants have gotten into your clothes, remove your clothes immediately.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I prevent getting fire ant stings?
Sarah Gehrke, RN, MSSarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Registered NurseWhen in areas where fire ants may be, wear protective clothing. Cover any exposed skin with socks, long pants, or tights. Be sure and watch your step to prevent stepping on an ant mound.
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QuestionWhat should I do if an ant bit me yesterday and now I feel shaky and sluggish?Sarah Gehrke, RN, MSSarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
Registered NurseSee your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the meantime, take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl and stay hydrated.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
References
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/art-20056593
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fire-ant.html
- ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/fire-ant-sting/
- ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/fire-ant-sting/
- ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/FireAntBites
- ↑ https://www.aocd.org/page/FireAntBites
- ↑ http://fireant.tamu.edu/files/2011/12/FAPFS023_2002rev_Medical.pdf
About This Article
If you've been stung by a fire ant, immediately wash the area with soap and water to prevent an infection. Then, hold a cold compress on the sting for several minutes to help reduce any swelling. To stop the sting from itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream to the sting or take an antihistamine. If you experience an allergic reaction to the sting, including nausea, difficulty breathing, or swelling, seek immediate medical attention. To learn some home remedies you can use to treat a sting, like baking soda paste or rubbing alcohol, keep reading!
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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