Why does an ant bite hurt while a bite from a bedbug or a mosquito doesn't?

1. 67

   wandererhposted 11 years ago

   Why does an ant bite hurt while a bite from a bedbug or a mosquito doesn't?
   
   I was just reading the papers and there was an article about bedbugs and somebody being interviewed was saying that bites from a bedbug does not hurt.  And I thought about a bite from an ant and it naturally led to this question.

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2. 71

   crazyhorsesghostposted 11 years ago

   There are certain chemicals in ant bites that burn the skin. Especially in fire ants. These chemicals are not present in bed bugs and other biting insects.

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3. 80

   HLKeeleyposted 11 years ago

   I do not know what mosquitos bite you, but those hurt me as well. Not burning like fire ants. Fire ants inject chemicals into you. They are technically trying to eat you. The chemicals they put in are to process the food so it is easier for them to eat. If we were not alive, they would have a feast.
   
   Mosquitos those inject something in that interacts with the air causing itching. If you cut off the air than the bite would not itch. I usually use clear nail polish for mosquito bites.
   
   As for ant bits, I just get cream.

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   1. 71

      crazyhorsesghostposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Aloe Vera Juice will take the pain out of fire ant stings or bites almost at once.

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4. 60

   MickSposted 11 years ago

   Because ants don't 'bite'.  For defense, they spray formic acid from the tail.  Those other creatures, feed by sucking blood, they inject an  anesthetic to numb the area whilst they are feeding.

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   1. 71

      crazyhorsesghostposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Fire Ants do indeed bite. If you step in a fire ant nest they cover up your foot or leg and they are biting and hanging on by their jaws. I go fishing on the river and have it happen to me two or three times a summer.

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5. 65

   afriqnetposted 11 years ago

   Most like the ants have an allergic compound in their stings and this is responsible for causing the reaction  and the pain.

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6. 60

   dingyskipperposted 11 years ago

   I think that one of the most obvious reasons is, a bed bug does not want you to know he is there until he finishes his meal, cats and dogs do not sratch their fleas until the start moving through their fur.
   Ants or at least most ants use the formic acid and bites as a defence against large invaders, so imediate pain gets a better result

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