Introduction to the Topic: Can Ants Sting?
Ants are ubiquitous, seemingly everywhere around us day in, day out, however their behaviours and habits remain largely a mystery to humans unless studied up close. It can be amusing or annoying, depending on one’s point of view, to watch them scurry around searching for food or ferrying items back to their nest. What many don’t know is whether ants possess the ability to sting. Do ants sting and, if so, what do their stings feel like and require in terms of treatment?
Structure of Ants
Research suggests ants’ bodies can be divided into three fundamental segments – the head, body and gaster. Its head is clearly visible to the eye and is where crucial components such as the antennae and eyes are found. Its body comprises thirteen segments, many of these equipped with minute legs, and allows the ant to move. The third and final part is the gaster or abdomen, which houses the ant’s vital organs.
Within the abdomen are stored venom and muscles that allow ants to bite and sting. Research shows ants possess a feature called a sting apparatus which, depending on the species, can differ substantially in size and structure. On some species the sting is comparatively large, capable of causing immense discomfort, but on the majority of ants it is small and presents little inherent danger.
Ants That Sting
A range of ant species, spanning across various continents, can produce stings. For example, Australia possesses the green tree ant, which can often be found in suburban backyards and is known for its intense insect venom, red fire ant found in the east of the country that is known for its accurate and painful stings, and the bulldog ant which is considered the most dangerous of the species found in Australia.
Jumping across the Atlantic, the United States, a variety of species have been documented in various habitats all over the county with the pavement ant, harvester ant and carpenter ant being some of the most notable. Europe, too, can boast an impressive array of stinging ant species, among them the wood ant, a large species that dwells in especially damp or wet habitats, or the presence of European fire ant, a species considered to be an invasive species in multiple countries.
Bearing the above in mind, it is clear ants possess the ability to sting, but what does a sting feel like? The conclusion of most ant-experts is that, because ant venom varies greatly, so does the feeling of their stings. Generally, a mild sting will cause a mild burning, itchy sensation that can linger for up to a few hours and easily treated with a light analgesic.
The vast majority of stings are referred to as ‘solitary’ whereby one ant delivers a single dose of venom, any additional dose is then subcutaneous in nature and so the irritation and redness can last up to 24 hours. However, the more severe cases involve multiple ants attacking an individual and in those cases the venom is much more potent and the result may be more severe swelling and inflammation. In extreme cases, the sting site can become infected and require medical treatment.
Sting Treatment and Prevention
Once the initial feeling of a sting is felt, the area should be immediately washed with mild, soapy water and then, in the case of solitary stings, a cold pack applied to the area for 10 – 15 minutes. With multiple stings, medical attention should be sought in order to prevent any long-term consequences or allergic reactions.
Preventing stings can often be easier than dealing with them after the fact by taking certain precautions such as wearing protective clothing when gardening or, where possible, avoiding ants altogether. There are a variety of ant-repellent products available today, capable of making a space inhospitable to ants and thereby providing additional security.
Additional Precautions
Though seldom life threatening, as outlined above, it is important to be aware of the increased risk of their stings. This is especially due to the presence of ‘allergic reactions’, which can cause a sudden decrease in blood pressure, airway constriction and even worse, anaphylaxis. In such grave conditions, the administering of an adrenaline shot is the most viable option and can be done so by either an EpiPen or a shot from an allergologist.
A further cause for concern is the presence of ‘Formic Acid’, which is a bacterial found in the venom of certain ant species. This acid can cause irritation and a burning sensation that may last for a few days, however in most cases can easily be treated with ice packs and, if necessary, a mild analgesic.
Do All Ants Sting?
Not all ants have the ability to sting, as many ant species lack the structures required to inflict such a wound. This is especially important to consider in urban areas and premises, as research has indicated certain ant species can become beneficial to the garden, acting as a crucial pollinator to trees and other plants.
Data suggests many species considered non-stinging, according to current research, can still be categorized as a potential hazard due to their highly defensive nature when hemmed in or threatened in any way. Such ants may display signs of aggression that can lead to bites, though the bites themselves are far from painful but rather than an itch or tingle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can undoubtedly state that ants possess the capabilities to sting, however because of the various species, different levels of intensity and venom can be expected. Therefore, those who may wish to interact with the ants are advised to take the necessary precautions, while those that wish to avoid them altogether can always opt for natural repellents or, where possible, entirely remove the inhabitants from their space.
