Ant bites might be rarer than you think. According to Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, Ph.D., associate director of community & urban integrated pest management at Cornell Integrated Pest Management, ants generally only bite when they feel threatened. Though, accidentally disturbing an ant mound could provoke a bite.

If you suspect you have a bug bite or sting, and think an ant is to blame, read on. we’ve gathered insights from entomologists and dermatologists to help you identify ant bites and stings and determine the best course of action. We’ve also included ant bite pictures for comparison.

Meet the experts: Gary goldenberg, M.D., is an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital. Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, Ph.D., is associate director of community & urban integrated pest management at Cornell Integrated Pest Management. And a suiter is a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension entomologist. Ife J.Rodney, M.D., is the founding director of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics.

It’s worth noting that some ants sting, which can be quite painful. And a suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative extension entomologist, explains that insects “bite” with their mandibles, while they sting from their posterior. Ant bites usually feel like a mild pinch, whereas stings are more severe. Therefore, we will focus on ant stings.

What Do Ant Bites and Stings Look Like?

The appearance of ant stings and bites can vary. Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, Ph.D., notes that stings often resemble small, red pimples and may include a