Insects & Pests · Reference · Basic
Fire Ants: The Pustule You Must Not Pop
Fire ants sting repeatedly, the blister that follows is a normal venom reaction, and popping it is how you get infected.
This is for educational purposes only. Not professional medical, electrical, or safety advice.
Warning
Do not pop fire ant pustules — open sores can become infected. Fire ant venom can also cause anaphylaxis: call 911 for breathing trouble or throat swelling.
- 01
Get clear fast
Fire ants grip with their jaws and then sting repeatedly in a circle, which is why the bites end up in a ring. Brush or blow them off and move away — don't stand there picking at them one by one.
- 02
Wash and cool
Wash with soap and water, then apply a cold compress to bring down the swelling and burn.
- 03
Leave the pustule alone
A white pustule usually forms within about 24 hours. It is a venom reaction, not proof of infection. Do not pop it or scratch it open — that is how bacteria get in and turn a nuisance into a real wound.
- 04
Treat the itch
Use a labeled anti-itch treatment for a localized reaction, and keep fingernails short and clean so nighttime scratching does the least damage.
- 05
Watch for the emergency
Fire ant venom can cause anaphylaxis, the same emergency as bee and wasp stings: trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, dizziness. Call 911 and use epinephrine if it is prescribed.