Ant stings and bites

In Australia, there are over 4,000 species of ants. They come in many colours including black, red, brown and green. Ants are social animals and work in colonies (groups). They can also attack in groups.

An ant bite or sting can cause:

• itching
• redness
• swelling
• a hot feeling around the sting

You may see the ant still attached to your skin.

Multiple ant bites or stings can cause severe pain and a large skin reaction.

Local reactions

You are most likely to get a reaction to the area where the ant bit or stung you. Local reactions last for less than a day. Any swelling is usually less than 5cm across.

Large local (allergic) reactions

A large local reaction is an allergic reaction. You may also have blisters and swelling that is larger than 10cm around the site of the sting or bite.

The swelling will last for at least 24 hours. It may take 7 to 10 days to get better.

Allergic reactions are more common in children than adults.

Mild systemic reactions

If you think someone is experiencing anaphylaxis after an ant bite, use the adrenaline autoinjector immediately. Then call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Follow an ASCIA allergy action plan if you have one.

If an ant stings you, remove the stinger if you can see it, using something firm like a bank card or fingernail.

Self-care at home

For both ant bites and stings, wash the area with soap and water. Use a cold pack or ice pack to reduce your pain, itching and swelling.

Always wrap an ice pack in a towel or cloth before putting it on your skin.

Keep the ice pack in place for 15 minutes. Apply a fresh ice pack if your pain continues.

Medicines for an ant bite or sting

Use an adrenaline autoinjector (EpiPenTM) to treat an anaphylactic reaction and follow your allergy action plan.

To help relieve any pain, use medicines such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs).

Antihistamine medicine can decrease the itch.

You may be given a corticosteroid medicine to settle an allergic reaction.

If your bite or sting is infected, your doctor may give you antibiotics.

Other treatment options

Jack Jumper Ant venom immunotherapy (desensitisation) works well to protect 9 in 10 people from a reaction. It's only available in South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.

Repeat exposure to ant stings may increase your sensitivity (chance of reacting) to the venom.

Some people have died from anaphylaxis caused by Jack Jumper Ant stings.

You can take simple measures to help prevent ant bites and stings.

In your home, you can lower your chance of getting an ant bite or sting by:

• covering food and drinks
• cleaning up sticky spills

Surface sprays and good hygiene should be enough to stop ants getting into your home.

When doing outdoor activities, wear:

• socks and shoes
• trousers
• long-sleeve shirts

Try to leave ants and their nests alone. Destroying ant nests can increase your risk of being bitten or stung. Professionals should remove ant nests.

You can help prevent your child getting an ant bite or sting by teaching them:

• where ants live and build their homes
• not to disturb ants

• You can learn about ants (Opens in new tab) on the Australian Museum website.
• Learn more about insect bites and stings.
• St John Ambulance Australia has a quick guide for bites and stings (Opens in new tab).
• The Australian Bites & Stings app (Opens in new tab) contains first aid instructions on what to do if you get bitten or stung by an insect. It is free to download.
• For more information on anaphylaxis, visit the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy's website (Opens in new tab). There's also information on how to develop an allergy action plan (Opens in new tab).