Ants in Costa Rica: Bites and Stings

In this series of posts, we answer common Costa Rica travel questions. Today, we’re talking about those tiny creatures that sometimes crash beach picnics and jungle walks – ants! We’ll share what we’ve learned about the different types you might see and how to avoid unwanted encounters.

Leafcutter ants carrying green pieces of leaves

Question

“I am allergic to red ants (fire ants) and carry an epi-pen. Just curious if there is a proliferation of red ants in Costa Rica and/or in the beach area? I would assume I would need to dress protectively if we wanted to venture into the mountains or rainforest. Your thoughts?”

Answer

Costa Rica is home to nearly 500 different ant species. Many are harmless and even more, you will never encounter on a typical vacation because they stay hidden in the forest.

That being said, some ants in Costa Rica do sting or bite. While we don’t have the exact same red fire ants found in the southern United States, we do have some that you’ll want to watch out for.

Types of Ants You Might Meet

During our years exploring and living in Costa Rica, we’ve encountered many types of ants. Here are five important ones to know about:

Sugar Ants

These are extremely small, almost clear looking ants. They get their name because they often raid sugar dishes or other food left on the kitchen counter. They are harmless but a nuisance.

Little Fire Ants

These small black ants pack quite a punch! They’re probably the ones you’ll want to watch out for most at the beach. If you step on a nest, they will quickly come out to defend their territory. The stings hurt and then swell and itch afterward but usually only for ten minutes or so. Some people do have more of an allergic reaction and can have some swelling and discomfort for several hours.

Leafcutter Ants

You’ll see these hardworking ants carrying pieces of leaves on trails or through gardens. They’re fascinating to watch and generally leave people alone. If you step on the trail of leafcutter ants though, they can bite.

Army Ants

These ants travel in long fast-moving lines and usually mind their own business if you don’t disturb them. They are most common near forested areas but sometimes invade homes looking for food. Fun fact: They are sometimes called cleaner ants because they go around looking for dead bugs in people’s houses.

Army ants will eventually just leave when once they have finished “cleaning,” so most people leave them alone. A good trick to stop them from coming into your house is to put a towel under the door.

Bullet Ants

These big guys mostly keep to themselves in the rainforest, but they have definitely earned their name. A sting is said to equal the pain of getting shot! Swelling and pain can last for more than a day. Don’t worry, though, they are pretty rare to encounter.

Where You’ll Most Likely to Find Ants in Costa Rica

In our experience, ants are most commonly spotted in these places:

  • On busy beaches, especially if someone’s left food scraps or fruit peels behind
  • Crossing hiking trails or on a trail’s edges
  • Around the base of trees or in rotting wood
  • In gardens and landscaped areas

Tips for Avoiding Ant Encounters

Here’s what we’ve learned works best:

  • Keep an eye out for ant trails or nests when choosing your beach spot. Use a chair instead of sitting directly on the sand.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and high socks when hiking and don’t step on visible ant trails.
  • Don’t reach into leaves or bushes; you might find ants or other surprises.
  • Keep food sealed and clean up any crumbs right away.

A Note About Ant Allergies

If you have a known ant allergy, be sure to talk with your doctor before your trip about traveling with your epi-pen or other medications. They can give you specific advice about managing your allergy in a tropical climate.

If you have a severe allergy, also take notes about the nearest medical facilities. Notifying your guide before starting a trek is also important.

Conclusion

While ants are definitely a part of daily life in Costa Rica, most visitors find they’re easy to avoid with a little awareness. We’ve found that using these simple precautions lets us enjoy all the amazing experiences Costa Rica has to offer – from beautiful beaches to stunning rainforests – without worrying too much about our tiny neighbors.

Have a question about ants in Costa Rica or want to add something? Leave a comment below.

Looking for more Costa Rica travel tips? Check out these posts:

Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials – Besides closed toed shoes, there are many more things that will make your vacation more comfortable. Check out our detailed packing list.

Bugs, Spiders, and Snakes in Costa Rica: What to Expect – What else could you encounter on a trip? Check out this post.

Costa Rica and Mosquitoes: Tips to Prevent Zika, Dengue, and More – In this post, we cover how to stay safe from mosquito bites.

Why You Should Get Travel Insurance for Costa Rica – This post explains why it’s smart to purchase travel insurance before your visit. Not only to protect your investment but also for unexpected medical issues.

4 Comments