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What Should I Do If I’m Stung by Fire Ants?

Written by PestMan Editorial TeamTechnical review pendingPublished Updated

Quick answer

Move away from the nest and brush the ants off, since they cling and sting repeatedly. Wash the area, apply a cold compress, and ask a pharmacist about pain relief or antihistamines. White pustules often form within a day; don’t burst them. Call 000 immediately for any sign of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling.

Why this happens

Fire ants grip the skin with their jaws and sting repeatedly, often many ants at once, which is why people usually get multiple stings.

The venom causes an immediate burning pain, followed by itchy swelling. Within about a day, small white pustules commonly form at sting sites. Bursting them increases the risk of infection.

Some people have severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to fire ant stings, which is a medical emergency.

What you may be seeing

  • Burning pain at several sting sites, often on the legs.
  • Red, raised welts that become white pustules within about a day.
  • Swelling or itching that lasts several days.

What you can do

  • Move away from the nest quickly.
  • Brush ants off firmly; water alone may not dislodge them.
  • Wash the stings with soap and water and apply a cold compress.
  • Ask a pharmacist or doctor about antihistamines or pain relief.
  • Keep the pustules clean and don’t burst them.
  • See a doctor if stings look infected or you are worried.
  • Report the nest to the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

What not to do

  • Do not burst the pustules.
  • Do not go back to the nest to deal with it yourself.
Safety first

Call 000 immediately for difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, dizziness or collapse after a sting. Follow the person’s anaphylaxis action plan if they have one. PestMan provides general information and does not replace medical advice.

When professional help may be needed

Seek medical advice for many stings, stings in a young child, or symptoms that are getting worse. Then report the nest so the Program can treat it.

Ants

Social insects that live in colonies and follow scent trails to food and water. Most ant problems in homes are nuisance foraging trails from colonies outside the house.

Species mentioned

Red Imported Fire Ant

Solenopsis invicta

An invasive South American ant first found in Brisbane in 2001 and now the target of a national eradication program. It builds loose soil mounds in open areas, swarms when disturbed and stings repeatedly. Suspected fire ants must be reported, not treated.

Guide

Fire Ants in South East Queensland

How to recognise red imported fire ants, what to do if you find them or are stung, how the National Fire Ant Eradication Program works, and what the biosecurity rules mean for households in South East Queensland.

Guide

How to Pest-Proof Your Home

A practical, room-by-room approach to reducing pests without relying on chemicals: remove what attracts them, close the ways in, and make your property less comfortable for them.

Guide

Common Brisbane Household Pests

A Brisbane-specific overview of the pests residents meet most often, when they are active, and what the subtropical climate, storms, creeks and Queenslander homes mean for pest pressure.

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Sources & further reading

PestMan provides general information only and does not replace licensed pest-management, medical, veterinary or structural advice. Always read and follow product labels. Read our disclaimer.