Fire Ants Sting
Fire ants can sting, and their sting is one of the main reasons they’re considered such a serious pest. Unlike many other ants that only bite, fire ants both bite and sting. Here’s what happens:
They bite first — Fire ants use their mandibles (jaws) to anchor themselves to your skin.
Then they sting repeatedly — Once latched on, they inject venom through a stinger at the tip of their abdomen.
The sting causes a sharp, burning pain (hence the name “fire” ant) and leads to itchy, pus-filled blisters within a day. In sensitive individuals, multiple stings can trigger allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
When Do Fire Ants Sting?
Fire ants typically sting when they feel threatened or when their nest is disturbed, and they do so aggressively and in large numbers. Here are the most common situations where people or pets might get stung by fire ants:
Accidentally disturbing a mound – The most frequent cause. Fire ants build dome-shaped nests in lawns, gardens, and open sunny areas. Stepping on or even brushing against a mound triggers a swarm response within seconds.
Yard work or outdoor activities – Mowing the lawn, gardening, digging, or even sitting on the grass can unknowingly bring you too close to a nest.
Children or pets playing outside – Kids and animals often don’t recognize mounds and may sit, roll, or dig near them, provoking an attack.
Flooding or heavy rain – When nests flood, fire ants form floating colonies to survive. These rafts can sting people or animals who come into contact with them in floodwaters.
Disturbed colonies indoors – In search of food, moisture, or warmth, fire ants sometimes move indoors. If their colony is disturbed—say, during pest control, renovation, or cleaning—they may sting.
Protecting food or prey – Fire ants are omnivorous and fiercely defend food sources, including pet bowls, trash, or fallen fruit. Touching or getting too close can trigger stings.
Fire ants attack quickly, often climbing up a person or pet before stinging in unison, which amplifies the pain and number of welts.
Fire Ant Stings
Fire ant stings can range from mildly irritating to medically serious, depending on the number of stings, the individual’s sensitivity, and how the body reacts to the venom. Here’s how bad they can be:
Multiple Stings at Once
Fire ants attack in groups and often sting simultaneously, each ant delivering multiple stings. It’s common to receive dozens of stings in a single incident if you step on a mound or disturb a colony.
Immediate Pain and Burning
The sting produces an intense burning or stinging pain almost instantly — similar to being burned by a hot needle. This acute pain usually lasts several minutes before subsiding to a dull ache or itch.
Itchy, Pus-Filled Blisters
Within 12 to 24 hours, each sting site develops a white, pus-filled blister (pustule). These are characteristic of fire ant stings and can last up to a week. Scratching them increases the risk of infection or scarring.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals experience allergic reactions to fire ant venom, ranging from mild swelling beyond the sting site to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening emergency. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
Dizziness or fainting
Rapid heartbeat or confusion
These require immediate medical attention.
Secondary Infections
If blisters are popped or scratched open, bacteria can enter, leading to cellulitis or abscesses. Infection risk is higher in children, elderly individuals, and people with diabetes or compromised immune systems.
Effects on Pets and Wildlife
Pets are highly vulnerable — especially dogs. Fire ants may sting animals repeatedly on the paws, nose, mouth, or underbelly, leading to swelling, pain, and in severe cases, shock or death, particularly in smaller animals.
While most fire ant stings are painful but temporary, they can become dangerous or life-threatening if many ants are involved or if the person or pet is allergic.
Learn more: What Do Fire Ant Stings Look Like?
What To Do About Fire Ant Stings
If you’re stung by fire ants, acting quickly and correctly can make a major difference in minimizing pain, preventing infection, and avoiding complications. Here’s exactly what to do:
Move Away Immediately
As soon as you feel stings, get away from the mound or infested area. Fire ants swarm rapidly, and more may crawl onto you. Brush ants off briskly with your hand, clothing, or a cloth — don’t slap or crush them, as that can trigger more stings.
Clean the Affected Area
Wash the stings thoroughly with soap and cool water to remove venom residue and reduce infection risk. If available, apply an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol.
Control Pain and Swelling
Apply a cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce pain and inflammation.
Over-the-counter oral antihistamines (like diphenhydramine or loratadine) can help with itching and swelling.
A topical hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion can soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Avoid scratching or popping the blisters — scratching or popping the blisters greatly increases infection risk.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Keep an eye on the stings for several days. If you notice increasing redness, warmth, pus, or swelling, it may indicate infection. In that case, seek medical care.
Be Alert for Allergic Reactions
Seek immediate emergency medical attention (call 911) if you experience:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Dizziness, confusion, or fainting
Rapid heartbeat or feeling of tightness in the chest
These can be signs of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires prompt treatment with epinephrine and professional care.
For Pets
If a pet is stung:
Move them away from the nest immediately.
Brush off ants quickly — do not spray them with water (it can make ants cling tighter).
Apply cool compresses and monitor for lethargy, vomiting, swelling, or breathing trouble.
Contact your veterinarian if your pet appears in pain, is excessively licking or scratching, or shows any signs of distress.
Prevent Future Stings
Avoid walking barefoot or standing on fire ant mounds.
Wear protective clothing (boots, gloves) when gardening or mowing.
Keep lawns well-maintained and treat known fire ant colonies with appropriately labeled fire ant bait products or hire our professional pest control.