Invasive ants with potentially fatal sting found across Southeast. Are they in Louisiana?
Asian needle ants are an invasive species that are continuing to spread throughout the U.S., and these ants can now be found in over a dozen states.
The venomous ants, which are native to China, Japan and the Koreas, have a sting that can potentially be deadly.
While Asian needle ants were first discovered in the U.S. in 1932, the ants have been on the move and are now being found throughout the Southeast and other regions.
When Asian needle ants sting, the venom it injects could be life threatening in some cases. Individuals who experience allergic reactions to bee and ant stings are particularly vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock after being stung, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The ants will reach their peak numbers in July and August, although, they can be hard to spot, as they are incredibly small and blend in well with their surroundings. Oftentimes, stings occur when someone unknowingly disturbs them, such as while gardening or moving objects they might be underneath like wood or mulch, USA Today reported.
When stung by an Asian needle ant, it can feel like somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh and, if the ant's venom triggers an allergic reaction, it can lead to difficulty breathing, swelling and can be fatal.
The ants are becoming more and more widespread, but they are mostly being found in areas with hardwood trees and undisturbed forest areas, where they nest under logs, stones and leaf litter. In residential areas, they can be found under mulch, pavers and landscape timbers, says the U.S. Forest Service.
Asian needle ants were first discovered in Georgia, and they are still predominantly found within the Southeast, however, the ants have been expanding their reach northward and westward.
Currently, there have been no official sightings of Asian needle ants in Louisiana, but they have been found in the nearby states of Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Therefore, it's likely that the ants could soon infiltrate Louisiana.
Other states where Asian needle ants have been spotted include North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, Washington and Ohio, according to iNaturalist.
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Are Asian needle ants in Louisiana? What to know about venomous ants
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