What is your geographical location?

Southeastern United States. Sorry for leaving that out.

It's possible that you're (mildly) allergic to something that bites everyone and only is noticed by those who are sensitive. Or just you're the only one getting bit for some reason.

Things that feel like fire ants? Hmmm. A different ant that doesn't attack in obvious gangs and might therefore not be noticed?

Pirate bugs? People underrate them, but OUCH.

Maybe try an insect repellent?

In some areas, they are called no see ums. In my area, the OP’s bite pattern nor does the OP’s partner “get bit” indicate no see ums.

I think contact dermatitis from clothing.

Similar pattern here. My wife gets bit by mosquitos that ignore me. She gets multiple deer tick bites some years and they also ignore me every year.

I don’t think they’re no see ums or any other flying thing. They don’t bite exposed skin. I’m also thinking it’s not contact dermatitis. Too sudden & painful, and not itchy afterward. I feel one fiery bite, then another, then another and then the welts appear within seconds. I’m thinking some kind of mite or other crawling thing that’s too tiny to see. The pirate bug could be a possibility. I’ve never even heard of those.

A pirate bug (Orius) stuck in clothing would freak out and bite but they're small and delicate and would get mashed into an unrecognizable blob before you could find them. They're beneficial critters, like mini assassin bugs.

Still, I wouldn't expect it to happen all that often...

Insects/mites/ticks that are biting you for food tend to be gentle so they can get away with it (mosquitos, chiggers, etc.). Insect repellent should work on these, but it doesn't sound like that's what you're getting unless you have an allergy.

Insects that are biting defensively (like a pirate bug or fire ant or dragonfly) aren't trying to be subtle so you'll feel it immediately, and if it really stings, there might be venom involved (like a predaceous bug or something with a stinger like ants, bees, and wasps). Insect repellent won't help with these because they aren't seeking you out.

Could you have gotten around some STINGING NETTLE or some got onto your clothing or inside?

Wikipedia Stinging Nettle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urtica_dioica

Stinging Nettle Rash (what to do): https://www.healthline.com/health/stinging-nettle-rash

I encountered this years ago. Very unpleasant.

🔺 ETA: This page shows plant, leaves, rash and offered suggestions for treatment of skin (wash w cool water and soap. Wash clothing.) 🌶

https://www.wonderbaba.ie/blog/nettle-stings-a-wonderbaba-guide/ 

Feel better!

According to to my 11 year old granddaughter and her class mates,it's cooties that are transmitted by obnoxious or slovenly people. Anyone fitting that discription visit while you were in the yard? (:

Thanks for all the input. If I ever actually catch the culprit, I’ll be sure to share.

ive heard the same about cooties.. i heard there is a shot for it ... ken

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXjcHBKvysA

Maybe Thrips?

Yeah, It should be!

Well, I think I found the culprit and it’s not anything exciting. My son was out in the yard and I watched him have the exact same experience... “Ow! Ow! Mommy my leg hurts!” I looked at his leg and at first saw nothing, then the welts started to appear. Then I found him in his pants.... a small black ant. Bigger than a sugar ant, smaller than a carpenter ant.

I think they’re Asian needle ants. They sting instead of bite, like fire ants.

https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/asian-needle-ant/

Yikes!

Congratulations of finding the culprit. Sorry you had to use your kid to do it! :)

(Still, don't sell fire ants short. I seem to recall them stinging and biting at the same time. A very special creature.)

I was actually thinking oak mites at first LOL glad you found the culprit!

Oak mites are horrible painful bites, like mosquito bites but they itch 4 times longer!