How to Treat a Fire Ant Sting

Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: December 6, 2024 Approved

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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.

Question 1 of 7:

What do you put on fire ant bites?

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1
Apply 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]
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- 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.
2
Use 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]
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- You can also use calamine lotion to treat the itchiness.
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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]
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Question 2 of 7:

What medicine can I take for fire ant bites?

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Any antihistamine used to treat allergies may reduce the itchiness. Take 1 pill every 8 to 12 hours as needed.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 7:

How long do fire ant bites last?

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The 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]
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- It’s normal for the swelling in the bitten area to continue increasing for the first 24 hours.
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A 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]
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- Don’t worry if the sting turns red after the pustule forms. This is normal and doesn’t mean it’s infected.

Question 4 of 7:

Should I pop a fire ant bite?

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No, don't pop the pustule that forms in the middle of the sting. If you pop the blister, you run the risk of it getting infected. Avoid scratching the bite, as well, as this can cause it to break and expose it to potential infection.^{[7]
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- If the blister does break, cleanse the area with soapy water and monitor it for signs of infection. You can also apply an antibiotic ointment to any open stings. These ointments are available over-the-counter from most drug stores and pharmacies.
- If the area becomes discolored or starts leaking pus, it may be infected. Seek medical attention immediately.

Question 5 of 7:

Why do fire ant bites hurt so much?

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Because the fire ants inject venom into your skin. Fire ants use their mandibles to clamp onto your skin, then sting you and inject the venom. This is what causes the initial burning sensation and the swelling that happens afterwards.^{[8]
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- Fire ant bites are generally more painful and larger in the summer, which is when fire ants have the most venom.

Question 6 of 7:

Can you be allergic to fire ant bites?

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It’s very rare, but it’s possible. Symptoms of a fire ant sting allergy include hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the place where you were bitten, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat, tongue, and lips, or difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these symptoms after being stung, get to an emergency care center or hospital immediately.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction usually occur within 30 to 40 minutes of being stung.
- In the most severe cases, people with an allergy may experience Anaphylactic shock, which can lead to dizziness, blackout, and cardiac arrest if not treated right away.
- If you know yourself to be allergic to fire ant stings (or bee stings), you might already be carrying an epinephrine shot, commonly called an epi-pen (epinephrine). Inject yourself or have a friend help you, then proceed to the hospital.

Question 7 of 7:

How do you keep fire ants from biting you?

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Move 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.^{[9]
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- If you feel a fire ant bite you, leave the area immediately to prevent further ants crawling on you and getting more bites.
2
Remove 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.^{[10]
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- Jumping into water or running the ants under a spigot will not remove them if they have already clamped down with their mandibles.^{[11]
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- If there's a chance more ants have gotten into your clothes, remove your clothes immediately.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I prevent getting fire ant stings?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
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.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

When 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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Question

What should I do if an ant bit me yesterday and now I feel shaky and sluggish?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
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.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

See your healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the meantime, take an antihistamine, such as Benadryl and stay hydrated.

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Apply a tiny bit of undiluted tea tree oil to bites soon after they happen. For many, this stops the burning feeling and prevents blisters from forming. But test your skin's reaction first, as some people are allergic.
To monitor bite progression, draw a marker circle around the borders of the bite when it first happens. Check back in 5-10 hours — if the redness/swelling expands beyond the original marking, seek medical care.
Popping blisters is controversial, but leaving them intact ensures the bites won't risk infection. Monitor all bites closely regardless and get medical attention if serious signs of infection develop.
If the itching flares up again after a fire ant bite, try taking a hot (but tolerable) shower. Letting the water run over the bite can temporarily relieve the itchiness.
Rubbing alcohol on bites right after they occur cleans out dirt. Follow up by applying Vicks Vaporub, which provides a cooling sensation to soothe irritation.
If camping or somewhere without access to pharmacy remedies, wet mud can be soothing. Simply spread some over the bite to ease the pain.

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