How to recognize an ant bite and can it be dangerous?

Ants are insects that are found in almost all latitudes. There are about 100 species of ants in Poland, most of them can be found in forests, but we also find them in parks, home gardens and even on sidewalks and in houses. Ants are extremely active and industrious. They form an organized community, and in one mound there can be up to several thousand individuals. However, we usually associate them with a nuisance because they appear in large numbers in home gardens or gardens. However, can their bites have negative consequences, or do they only sometimes make our life unbearable?

What does an ant bite look like?

The ant attacks when it feels threatened. It is equipped with jaws and it is with them that it bites. When bitten, the insect sprays a secret containing formic acid onto the wound - it is responsible for burning. However, this is not a substance harmful to a healthy person, but only a strong local irritant. An ant sting may cause mild pain or itching. Swelling and redness appear around the bite site, as well as a blister. This swelling after an ant sting is usually small and warm. Sometimes this area can also be slightly swollen. The change is local, and the swelling usually subsides after a few tens of minutes. Then the blister turns into a small pimple. A single ant sting is usually not dangerous to humans. However, it should be remembered that the most dangerous ants live outside our country.

When can an ant sting be dangerous?

In Poland, an ant sting does not cause severe symptoms, they are limited to short-term and mild ailments. However, if the birthmark is more than 10 centimeters in diameter and does not disappear after 24 hours, this may be a sign of an extensive allergic reaction to the bite of this insect. A group of people who may develop allergic reactions after being stung by an ant include those who are allergic to the venom of hymenoptera insects (such as wasps and bees). Such an allergy to ant venom can manifest itself as:

• severe swelling at the site of the bite,

• hives,

• blushing,

• itchy rash.

If you notice the warning symptoms associated with an ant sting, you should see a doctor. In extreme cases, an ant sting can cause anaphylactic shock (a life-threatening condition), but these are isolated and rare situations. Its symptoms:

• skin symptoms (edema, erythema, urticaria, itching),

• dyspnea,

• swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue,

• vomiting and cramping abdominal pain,

• loss of consciousness.
  However, sometimes the ants attack en masse, and then a more toxic poison can be transmitted, which can cause systemic reactions that are dangerous to health.

What to do when ants bite us?

If the change in the skin appeared when we were near the anthill, then the bite was probably inflicted by an ant. How to relieve swelling and itching after an insect bite? A local reaction does not require special measures, but some of them can bring relief from ailments. One way to soothe an ant sting is to apply a compress of ice cubes (previously wrapping them in a cloth). Discomfort will also be reduced by the use of special soothing gels that have an antipruritic effect on insect bites. Also, you can not comb the resulting lesion. Although these insects are not dangerous, it is worth knowing how to get rid of ants in your home - thanks to this, at least there, you will minimize the risk of being bitten by them.