How to Relieve Army Ant Bites

Army ants are light brown in color and vary greatly in size. Army ants are the workers in the ant colony. They care for the eggs and the young larva that the queen lays to grow her colony. An army ant bites any creature that comes toward it or the ant colony. A bite from an army ant can either be painful or itchy.

Instructions

• 1

  Ice the army ant bite as soon as you notice the pain or itching. Ice helps to prevent swelling in the area and numbs the bite to ease the pain and itching. Keep the ice on the bite for 10 to 15 minutes.

• 2

  Wash the bite with warm water, and soap to clean it. Then, pat the area dry. Avoid rubbing, which can irritate your skin further.

• 3

  Apply a small dab of toothpaste to the bite, and allow it to dry in place to prevent the white puss that sometimes comes out of ant bites. Choose a toothpaste that is a paste rather than a gel.

• 4

  Rub a small amount of suave deodorant onto the bite to relieve the pain and itching. This is usually effective, even for those with the most sensitive skin.

• 5

  Take an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to alleviate the pain and itching. Follow package dosage directions carefully.