Red Ant Bites: What to Do and When to Worry

A sudden sharp burn on the leg or arm while working in the garden, and a few small red ants hanging on: red ant bites and stings are familiar and often painful. Most are minor, but some people react strongly, and a few bites can become infected.

This guide is general first-aid information, not medical advice. If you are worried, see a doctor.

The short answer

For a red ant bite, brush the ants off quickly, wash the area with soap and water, apply a cool compress to ease pain and swelling, avoid scratching, and watch for signs of infection or allergy. Pain, redness and a small pustule or blister are common and usually settle in days. See a doctor for signs of infection such as spreading redness, pus or fever, for many bites, bites on the face or mouth, bites in young children, older people or those with health conditions, and seek emergency care for swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, dizziness or collapse.

What bites look like

• Sudden burning or stinging pain.
• Red, swollen bumps, often in groups.
• A small blister or pustule that forms within a day.
• Itching and soreness for several days.

First aid

1. Remove the ants: Brush them off quickly, since they can bite repeatedly. Move away from the nest.
2. Wash: Clean the area with soap and water.
3. Cool it: Apply a cool compress or ice wrapped in cloth for short periods.
4. Elevate: Raise the limb if swelling is marked.
5. Do not scratch or burst blisters: This increases infection risk.
6. Relief: Ask a pharmacist about suitable creams or antihistamines, particularly for children and pregnant women.

Signs of infection

• Increasing redness, warmth or swelling after a day or two.
• Pus or crusting.
• Increasing pain.
• Fever.

See a doctor promptly if these appear.

Signs of severe allergic reaction

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fainting, a fast heartbeat or hives over the body need emergency care.

Who should take extra care

• Young children, older people and anyone with allergies or health conditions.
• People who have had a strong reaction before.
• Anyone with many bites.

Preventing bites

• Watch for ant nests and mounds in gardens and avoid them.
• Wear shoes and gloves when gardening.
• Keep children away from nests and teach them not to disturb ants.
• Control nests near play areas, using professionals where needed.
• Keep food and sweets out of play areas.

At home

If red ants are biting indoors, find the trail and nest, and use bait or professional help. Avoid spraying in rooms where children play.

When to call a professional

If red ants nest near the house or play areas, a professional can treat them safely.

Frequently asked questions

Do red ants really sting?

Some species bite and sting. The effect can feel like a burn.

Can I use toothpaste or lemon?

They are not proven and can irritate. Use washing and cool compresses.

How long does the pain last?

Often hours to a few days, longer for blisters.

Should I burst the blister?

No. Leave it to heal.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on ant control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full ant control guide for Bangalore.