Ant bites are common and can be painful and unpleasant. Almost all types of ant bite or sting humans. Some also spray a noxious chemical that causes itchy and burning bumps.
Rarely ant bites are serious. Mild redness and swelling around an ant bite is common. Fire ants do not bite, but stings and their stings cause a fiery and hot sensation on the skin. First, there are small red spots that after a day or two form a white pustule, becomes painful and itchy. It is typical for a victim to get multiple stings. Multiple stings imported by fire ants can cause an allergic reaction and can be dangerous.
Red ants also bite or sting, but in comparison with fire ants, their attacks are relatively rare. Red ant sting or bite looks like bee sting causing swollen, red and painful welt that itches for a few days.
If after ant bite you suffer from intense itching, burning, difficulty in breathing, swelling of tongue or throat, loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness or other unusual symptoms better seek for or medical emergency. If there is no severe allergic reaction, try out simple and readily available home remedies for ant bites.
Home Remedies For Ant Bites
1. Honey– Honey has cooling properties that ease swelling, itching and redness. Apply a little amount of honey on the affected area for relief. Also, honey is antimicrobial and prevents secondary infection that may follow scratching.
2. Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar is acidic. It can eliminate the singing sensation. Mix apple cider vinegar and water in equal amounts and apply to the ant bites.
3. Olive oil – Olive oil is readily available in our kitchen. Oleocanthal present in olive oil is anti-inflammatory and eases red itchy stings and bites. Just apply a little bit of olive oil on the affected area a few time in a day.
4. Salt – Salt is one of the effective home remedies to cut down inflammation and swelling caused due to an insect bite. To one-fourth cup of water add one fourth teaspoon salt. Mix well and apply it to the affected area.
5. Cucumber – Cucumber has cooling and soothing properties. It helps with the irritation caused due to insect bites. Take a slice of a cucumber and apply it to ant bites to reduce itching and swelling.
6. Baking soda – Baking soda reduces any discomfort associated with ant bites. To 1 teaspoon lemon juice add one fourth teaspoon baking soda. Mix properly and apply it to the affected area.
The best you can do to prevent ant bite is to avoid sitting standing or squatting on an anthill. Fire ants make their nest away from vegetation in sunny and open areas so keep an eye on the ground while wandering in such areas. On the other hand, carpenter ants show up in wooden structures and homes. They bite only when they are touched. To avoid and get rid of a carpenter ants, better use pest control spray. And yes, if there are lots of ant beds in your yard, get rid of them soon. A natural way to get rid of ant bed is pouring lots of baby powder or gasoline on the ant bed.