Ants are small insects that live in colonies. Some ants contain a moderate level of venom, wherein some ants can be dangerous that causes severe symptoms, and their bites can be itchy and irritating. Ant bites can be cured easily with your kitchen ingredients. In this article, I have briefed some of the best home remedies for ant bites.
The major symptom of ant bites is itchiness, swelling, redness, and irritation on the skin. But in some cases, you might experience severe symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness, etc.
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Why Ant Bite Causes Irritation?
Ants produce an acid called formic acid. When an ant bites us, it leaves a small spurt of formic acid in our skin, which causes pain, allergy, burns, and irritation. Fire ants release a compound called histamine, which is the major cause of swelling and irritation.
10 Home Remedies for Ant Bites
1. Ice Cubes
Rubbing ice cubes in the itching area will provide a cooling effect and prevent the skin from irritation. Ice cubes act as an anti-histamine that prevents your skin from swelling. It also prevents redness and any allergy from the ant bite. You can directly apply an ice cube, or you can put an ice bag on the surface of your skin.
2. Vinegar
Vinegar consists of anti-bacterial properties in nature. It prevents bacterial action on the surface of the skin and also controls itching. It also helps in healing the peeled skin due to scratching. Wet a cotton ball with vinegar and apply it to the skin.
3. Toothpaste
Toothpaste has a cooling effect on the skin due to the presence of peppermint and menthol in it. It numbs the itching area and prevents your skin from swelling.
You can directly apply a small amount of toothpaste to the affected spot, leave it for some time and then wash it off.
4. Teabags
Teabags are one of the best home remedies for ant bites. Its anti-inflammatory property helps in suppressing the swelling and leaves a cooling effect after using it. It also prevents your skin from any scar and inflammation.
Rinse the tea bag in warm water, let it cool and suppress it on the affected spot.
5. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a very effective home remedy for ant bites. It distresses and prevents you from scratching the area. Tea tree oil also keeps the bacteria and germs away from the affected area while reduces the itchiness and prevents any further allergy caused by the ant bite.
Dilute the tea tree oil by mixing it with any other oil and apply it to the affected surface. Do not apply the oil directly on the skin without diluting as it causes various skin issues.
6. Olive Oil
Olive oil consists of a compound called oleocanthal which is high in anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It gives instant relief from the itchiness, redness and prevents your skin from swelling. Apply a drop of olive oil to the affected region, and leave it for some time.
7. Soap Bar
Using soap as soon as the ant bites help in killing the bacteria on the spot and suppresses the acid that causes swelling and irritation. An anti-bacterial soap work best for the treatment of ant bites.
You can wet the soap bar and suppress it on the skin, or you can wash the area with soap.
8. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is high in anti-inflammatory properties. It gives immediate relief from the burning and also prevents you from scratching the skin. It also rejuvenates the spot after an insect bite.
Apply a natural aloe vera directly on the affected area, or you can apply the aloe vera gel from the sores. You can reapply it on the skin for rehydration.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda helps in balancing the PH level in your skin. It has anti-inflammatory property that helps deal with the burning sensation of ant bites and reduces the swelling caused by the ant bites. It also prevents your skin from any further infections and relieves you from itching.
Make a paste by mixing water and baking soda and apply it to the affected spot in your skin.
10. Aspirin
Aspirin consists of anti-inflammatory property and is used to treat severe ant bites and any other insect bites. It instantly removes the itching and swelling caused by the ant bites.
Crush the aspirin, mix it with water and apply it to the skin overnight.
5 Ways to Get Rid of Ants Quickly
1. Citrus Fruit
Citric acid is an enemy of ants. Leave some grounded or dried citric peel like lemon or orange in the entry point of your house. The ants will lose the sense to detect any food due to the strong smell of citric acid.
2. Cucumber
The chemical compound present in cucumber helps in keeping the ants away. Place a slice of cucumber in a place where the ants most visit.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon acts as a double agent. Any form of cinnamon like powder, oil, or cinnamon stick will help get rid of ants in your house.
Sprinkle some cinnamon powder or spay some cinnamon oil with water or leave a cinnamon stick around few places to get rid of ants.
4. Baking Soda + Powdered Sugar
The smell of sugar will attract the ants, and the baking soda will kill them. Mix some sugar and baking soda, put it on a lid, or leave it on the surface.
5. Soap Water
Soap water can help killing ants, insects and lizards. Mix liquid dishwasher or handwash with water and spray it on the ants.
Wrapping Up!
These are some of the best natural home remedies for ant bites. Ant bites are the most common thing, and you can easily cure them with these home remedies. Some of the ant bites do not cause you much trouble, but if you feel like having difficulty in breathing, swallowing saliva, vomiting, loss of consciousness, or dizziness after an ant bite, you need a doctor consultation immediately.
