Not all ants sting. Most defend the colony with their mandibles or by spraying formic acid. But some species have a true stinger like wasps, and their sting can be painful, even dangerous. Here’s an overview.
How does an ant attack?
Several defensive strategies:
- Mandibles: a pinch, sometimes painful but with no toxin (Camponotus, Formica rufa)
- Sprayed formic acid: no sting, but a chemical burn if it contacts a wound (Formica, Lasius)
- Stinger: a true sting with venom injection (Myrmica, Solenopsis, Pogonomyrmex, Paraponera…)
Stinging ants in Europe
Myrmica rubra (European red ant)
A sting similar to a small wasp. A burning sensation for a few minutes, then itching. Local redness. No danger except for individual allergy.
Solenopsis fugax (thief ant)
Very small but armed with a stinger. A mild sting, without major consequences.
Tapinoma magnum (Mediterranean invasive)
Not really a sting, but bites associated with an irritating secretion. Can form massive colonies in southern Europe.
Lasius niger and Formica rufa don’t sting in the strict sense, but they can spray formic acid several centimetres. On healthy skin: no effect. On an open wound or in the eyes: a chemical burn. Rinse thoroughly with clean water if exposed.
Dangerous ants around the world
Solenopsis invicta (fire ant)
Native to South America, now invasive worldwide. Its sting causes an intense burning pain (hence the name), followed by pustules that last several days. Anaphylactic shock is possible in allergic people. Recently detected in Sicily, it worries European health authorities.
Paraponera clavata (bullet ant)
From the Amazon. Its sting is considered one of the most painful in the animal kingdom (rated 4.0+ on the Schmidt scale). Described as “walking over flaming charcoal with a 3-inch nail embedded in your heel”. Fortunately, the species is non-aggressive without provocation.
Pogonomyrmex (American harvester ant)
Species from the southern USA. A very painful sting (3.0 on the Schmidt scale) that can radiate through the whole limb for several hours.
Myrmecia (Australian bull ant)
Australian. Very aggressive, able to jump to attack. An intensely painful sting, frequent allergies. Several deaths documented in Australia among allergic people not treated in time.
The Schmidt scale
The entomologist Justin Schmidt established a pain scale for insect stings, based on his own experience (yes, he let dozens of species sting him on purpose). A few ants on this scale:
| Species | Schmidt score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Myrmica rubra | 1.0 | Mild, like a minor hornet |
| Lasius niger (acid) | 0.5-1.0 | A brief burn |
| Solenopsis invicta | 1.2 | Sharp burn, pustules |
| Pogonomyrmex | 3.0 | Throbbing, radiating pain |
| Paraponera clavata | 4.0+ | Extreme pain, “bullet” |
First aid for a sting
- Move away from the ants if you’re in a nest
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water (especially for formic acid)
- Ice on the stung area to reduce inflammation
- Antihistamine cream from the pharmacy for persistent itching
- Watch for: if there’s diffuse swelling, difficulty breathing or generalised hives → emergency services (allergic reaction)
If you know you’re allergic to hymenopteran stings (wasps, bees, hornets), you’re probably also allergic to stinging ants. Always carry an emergency kit (adrenaline auto-injector) during high-risk activities.
And for keeping?
The species kept in Europe are not dangerous. Myrmica rubra can sting if handled, but it’s very minor and harmless. Avoid species classed as “dangerous” in captivity, and in any case their import is generally banned.
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