The common household ant is annoying, but not deadly.
Ants are often associated with spoiling a summer picnic, but a few types of ants can actually prove deadly to humans. Although most deadly ants are located in isolated areas around the world, it is important to be aware of the risks faces when encountering these deadly insects.
Siafu - African Ants
African ants are not poisonous, but run in large numbers.
The average colony of African Ants, native to Nigeria and West Africa, has more than 20 million members. The African Ants are known for racing across the African savannas and eating whatever they may find along the way. About 20 to 50 people, typically the young or elderly, die each year as a result of asphyxiation after encountering African Ants. These ants are best avoided by staying in populated areas during droughts, and always having a sense of self awareness.
Fire Ants
Fire ants cause significant crop damage annually.
Most fire ants are found in the southern United States and in South and Central America. The fire ant nests in sand or loose ground soil, meaning it can commonly be found along the tree lines and edges of beaches. If the fire ant nest is stepped on, or the ants are irritated, they will counterattack with a painful bite that feels like fire. A single sting or small series of bites can be quickly treated, however a swarm can be deadly. About 150 people die every day from fire ant bites. When at the beach, check the area near the chair or blanket to ensure a colony will not be stepped on.
Driver Ant
The Driver ants have a strong mandible for biting.
The driver ant is native to the dense jungles of Africa, and its bite is renowned as one of the most deadly and painful, actually drawing blood with each prick. Driver ants will attack wildlife or humans that happen to stop to rest near their anthill. When put together, a colony of driver ants can weigh more than 30,000 pounds. In addition to the surface wounds, once the prey is injured enough, the driver ants will crawl into the esophagus and suffocate their victim. It is important to keep aware on jungle hikes in Africa, and only stop to rest in areas approved by a guide.
Australian Bulldog Ant
Bulldog ants look similar to wingless wasps, according to National Geographic, and the ferocious insects actually appear to have a fanged-vice for a mouth. The bulldog ants are particularly dangerous because of their ability to cause an allergic reaction from a number of humans when bit. The bulldog ant also has superior vision over a number of other insects, giving them a predatory advantage. Use caution when traveling in grassy, desert-like areas near Sydney, Australia, to avoid these colonies.
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