Which Australian ants bite or sting?

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.

Some ants have a visible stinger on their tail. Stings from Australian jack jumper ants and green ants may cause an allergic reaction.

Fire ants can both bite and sting you. Stings from fire ants can cause an allergic reaction.

If you think you have seen fire ants, report it online or by calling 132 ANT (13 22 68).This can help scientists to completely remove them since they are a threat to our health, lifestyle, biodiversity and other animals.

You can learn more about identifying fire ants at The National Fire Ant Eradication Program website.

Read more about insect bites and stings.

Common Australian ants

Black house ant

Black house ants are small black ants, which give off a strong smell when crushed. They grow up to 3mm long.

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Bites: Yes

Stings: No

Blue ants

Blue ants are actually wasps.

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Bites: No

Stings: Yes

Bull ants (also called Bulldog ants)

There are about 90 species of bull ants in Australia. They can grow up to 40mm. They are aggressive and can give painful stings, which sometimes cause anaphylaxis.

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Bites: No

Stings: No

Carpenter or Sugar ant

Sugar ants are common in Australia. They range in size from 2.5 to 14mm.

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Bites: Yes

Stings: No

Fire ants

Fire ants are a red-brown colour with a darker abdomen. They grow to 2–6mm. Fire ants can sting repeatedly.

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Bites: Yes

Stings: Yes

Funnel ants

Funnel ants can be aggressive if their nest is disturbed. They grow to 5mm and live in urban and bush areas.

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Bites: No

Stings: Yes

Green-head ants

Green-head ants are found throughout Australia. Their stings can cause an allergic reaction.

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Bites: No

Stings: Yes

Jack Jumper ants (also called Jumper ants, Hopper ants or Skipper ants)

Jack Jumper ants are a medium-sized black bull ant. They have a black body, orange legs and hopping walk. They are very aggressive ants. Their sting can cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

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Bites: No

Stings: Yes

Meat ants

Meat ants aggressively defend their nests by biting repeatedly. They can grow to 10mm.

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Bites: Yes

Stings: No

Singapore ant

Singapore ants are light brown in colour with a dark abdomen. They grow up to 3mm long.

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Bites: No

Stings: Yes

White-footed house ant

White-footed house ants are shiny black in colour with light coloured feet. They grow up to 3.5mm long.

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Bites: Yes

Stings: No

What are the symptoms of an ant bite or sting?

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

About 1 in 100 people will have a mild systemic (whole body) reaction to an ant bite or sting. A systemic reaction may involve your skin and digestive system. You may get a reaction in parts of your body away from the bite or sting. You might experience:

• flushing
• itch or burning sensation
• swelling
• hives (urticaria)
• redness
• pustules

Your digestive system symptoms may involve:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• diarrhoea
• abdominal (tummy) pain

If you have a moderately severe systemic reaction, you may also get dizziness or shortness of breath.

Severe systemic reactions

A severe systemic (whole body) response to an ant bite or sting can cause anaphylaxis. These symptoms can include:

• swelling of your throat
• hoarseness or wheezing
• chest pain
• dizziness
• severe abdominal pain
• vomiting (being sick)

When should I see my doctor?

You should see a doctor if:

• you were stung in your mouth or near your eyes
• you have abdominal pain and are vomiting (being sick)
• you feel dizzy
• your symptoms are getting worse
• you've had a serious allergic reaction to an ant bite or sting before

See your doctor if you have a large red and swollen area that lasts longer than several hours.

When to seek urgent care

Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you have:

• noisy breathing
• swollen tongue or throat
• wheeze or persistent cough
• voice change
• dizziness
• collapse

How are ant bites and stings treated?

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.

What are the complications of an ant bite or sting?

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.

Can ant bites or stings be prevented?

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

Resources and support

• You can learn about ants on the Australian Museum website.
• Learn more about insect bites and stings.
• St John Ambulance Australia has a quick guide for bites and stings.
• The Australian Bites & Stings app 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. There’s also information on how to develop an allergy action plan.