What to know about invasive ant with fatal sting reported in multiple states
The Joro spider, Asian long-horned beetle and spotted lanternfly have company this summer.
A "sneaky" invasive species that has a potentially deadly sting continues to spread across the U.S. and can be found in more than a dozen states, according to experts.
Asian needle ants were first detected in the U.S. almost a century ago, but the species has continued to expand its reach, primarily throughout the Southeast, and this pest could potentially be deadly to humans, according to Dan Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia.
"It injects venom that can harm you. Its sting can be life threatening," Suiter recently told the university.
Suiter added that people who have adverse reactions to bee and ant stings are especially vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock from the needle ant's sting. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of being exposed to something you're allergic to, such as a sting, according to the Mayo Clinic.
"If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like," Suiter says. "And it might be smart to carry an EpiPen."
Suiter urged people to be vigilant for these invasive species, especially with ant populations peaking later this summer.
What are Asian needle ants?
Asian needle ants are technically known as Brachyponera chinensis – roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China" – but their native range also includes Japan and the Koreas, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The insect was first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 in Georgia, but has only recently started to "cause problems in North America after being relatively unnoticed for many years," the U.S. Forest Service says.
The pest has now been detected all the way from Washington state to Florida, according to the site antmaps.org as well as Mississippi State University, and the ant is recently getting more attention in Texas.
Suiter says Asian needle ants are "sneaky" because they are less than a quarter of an inch long and are adept at hiding.
"Unlike many invasive species that tend to colonize areas in the wake of natural or human disturbance, Asian needle ants are capable of invading undisturbed forest areas where they nest under and within logs and other debris, under stones, and in leaf litter," the U.S. Forest Service says.
Environmental impacts
According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments.
"They outcompete other ant species that are important to the ecology of that area," he says.
Asian needle ants prey on other insects and are capable of displacing ant species that are critical for seed dispersal, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present.
"Thus, this invasive species could have dramatic, long-term negative effects on forest understory," the service says.
What should people do if they see Asian needle ants?
Asian needle ants are about 0.2 inches in length, and dark brown or black with the end of the antennae and the legs being a lighter orange-brown, the U.S. Forest Service says. Other ant species can look similar, "so it takes an experienced eye to positively identify them," the service says.
Suiter says that you can send a photograph or a specimen to a local University of Georgia Extension office, which can help with identification. The public can also contact a professional to come out and bait for the ants, he says.
The U.S. Forest Service advises people to avoid the pest and to be especially vigilant in areas with logs and rotting or rocks were the ants can nest.
"Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the service says.
Kristi Noem says "we are not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen" amid L.A. crackdown
Magic in the dark: The fantastical worlds of Lightwire Theater
Barbara becomes first hurricane of 2025 season to form in Pacific Ocean
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Stinging, invasive Asian needle ants found in Ohio. Here's where, why they're a problem
A species of invasive stinging ants is on the rise as they hit peak season in the summer. Asian needle ants deliver a painful and venomous sting capable of causing allergic or even life-threatening reactions. Native to Asia, the insects are known as Brachyponera chinensis (roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China") and have since spread to the U.S. with documented sightings in 20 states, including Ohio. While tiny, the ants can also infest homes and disrupt natural environments by excluding native ant species and termites. Asian needle ants reach their yearly peak activity in June and July. Here's what to know before they arrive. Asian needle ants are a species of carnivorous ants native to China, Japan and the Koreas, according to USA TODAY. These dark brown ants have been found to live in colonies in leaf litter and rotted logs but can also be found inside potted plants, underneath wood piles, and in lawns. The "needle" part of its name refers to its stinger. While they are difficult to track, Asian needle ants have been found in Ohio with at least four reported sightings, per More than a dozen other states have reported Asian needle ant sightings. Ohio State University's Buckeye Yard and Garden confirmed the non-native stinging ant species in Southwest Ohio. The ants can nest inside landscape mulch, compost bins, homes, kitchens and dumpsters. No. Unlike fire ants, Asian needle ants are smaller, less aggressive and will try to avoid humans, however, most stings occur when someone accidentally places their hands in nests or on the ants, according to NC State University Entomology. The pressure causes them to deliver a defensive sting that can last for hours or even days. Experts recommend wearing thick gloves when handling outdoor items like mulch to help prevent stings. Eliminating nesting sites is also advised, including reducing moisture-heavy areas in and around your home and sealing entry points, according to Orkin. Should you encounter a colony of Asian needle ants, protein-based insecticide baits can also be used, though the method isn't foolproof. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Asian needle ant stings can include the following symptoms: Skin reactions include hives, itching, and flushed or pale skin. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Constriction of the airway, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Swollen tongue or throat. Weak and rapid pulse. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dizziness or fainting. Psychological symptoms, such as a feeling of impending doom. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Stinging Asian needle ants spotted in Ohio. Here's why it's a problem
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
What to know about invasive ant with fatal sting reported in multiple states
The Joro spider, Asian long-horned beetle and spotted lanternfly have company this summer. A "sneaky" invasive species that has a potentially deadly sting continues to spread across the U.S. and can be found in more than a dozen states, according to experts. Asian needle ants were first detected in the U.S. almost a century ago, but the species has continued to expand its reach, primarily throughout the Southeast, and this pest could potentially be deadly to humans, according to Dan Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia. "It injects venom that can harm you. Its sting can be life threatening," Suiter recently told the university. Suiter added that people who have adverse reactions to bee and ant stings are especially vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock from the needle ant's sting. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of being exposed to something you're allergic to, such as a sting, according to the Mayo Clinic. "If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like," Suiter says. "And it might be smart to carry an EpiPen." Suiter urged people to be vigilant for these invasive species, especially with ant populations peaking later this summer. What are Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are technically known as Brachyponera chinensis – roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China" – but their native range also includes Japan and the Koreas, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The insect was first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 in Georgia, but has only recently started to "cause problems in North America after being relatively unnoticed for many years," the U.S. Forest Service says. The pest has now been detected all the way from Washington state to Florida, according to the site as well as Mississippi State University, and the ant is recently getting more attention in Texas. Suiter says Asian needle ants are "sneaky" because they are less than a quarter of an inch long and are adept at hiding. "Unlike many invasive species that tend to colonize areas in the wake of natural or human disturbance, Asian needle ants are capable of invading undisturbed forest areas where they nest under and within logs and other debris, under stones, and in leaf litter," the U.S. Forest Service says. Environmental impacts According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments. "They outcompete other ant species that are important to the ecology of that area," he says. Asian needle ants prey on other insects and are capable of displacing ant species that are critical for seed dispersal, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present. "Thus, this invasive species could have dramatic, long-term negative effects on forest understory," the service says. What should people do if they see Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are about 0.2 inches in length, and dark brown or black with the end of the antennae and the legs being a lighter orange-brown, the U.S. Forest Service says. Other ant species can look similar, "so it takes an experienced eye to positively identify them," the service says. Suiter says that you can send a photograph or a specimen to a local University of Georgia Extension office, which can help with identification. The public can also contact a professional to come out and bait for the ants, he says. The U.S. Forest Service advises people to avoid the pest and to be especially vigilant in areas with logs and rotting or rocks were the ants can nest. "Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the service says. Kristi Noem says "we are not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen" amid L.A. crackdown Magic in the dark: The fantastical worlds of Lightwire Theater Barbara becomes first hurricane of 2025 season to form in Pacific Ocean
CBS News
5 hours ago
- CBS News
Asian needle ants with a potentially fatal sting have spread across multiple states. Here's what to know.
The Joro spider, Asian long-horned beetle and spotted lanternfly have company this summer. A "sneaky" invasive species that has a potentially deadly sting continues to spread across the U.S. and can be found in more than a dozen states, according to experts. Asian needle ants were first detected in the U.S. almost a century ago, but the species has continued to expand its reach, primarily throughout the Southeast, and this pest could potentially be deadly to humans, according to Dan Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia. "It injects venom that can harm you. Its sting can be life threatening," Suiter recently told the university. Suiter added that people who have adverse reactions to bee and ant stings are especially vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock from the needle ant's sting. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of being exposed to something you're allergic to, such as a sting, according to the Mayo Clinic. "If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like," Suiter says. "And it might be smart to carry an EpiPen." Suiter urged people to be vigilant for these invasive species, especially with ant populations peaking later this summer. What are Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are technically known as Brachyponera chinensis – roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China" – but their native range also includes Japan and the Koreas, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The insect was first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 in Georgia, but has only recently started to "cause problems in North America after being relatively unnoticed for many years," the U.S. Forest Service says. Asian needle ants were first detected in the U.S. almost a century ago, but the invasive species has continued to spread, experts say. U.S. Department of Agriculture The pest has now been detected all the way from Washington state to Florida, according to the site as well as Mississippi State University, and the ant is recently getting more attention in Texas. Suiter says Asian needle ants are "sneaky" because they are less than a quarter of an inch long and are adept at hiding. "Unlike many invasive species that tend to colonize areas in the wake of natural or human disturbance, Asian needle ants are capable of invading undisturbed forest areas where they nest under and within logs and other debris, under stones, and in leaf litter," the U.S. Forest Service says. Environmental impacts According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments. "They outcompete other ant species that are important to the ecology of that area," he says. Asian needle ants prey on other insects and are capable of displacing ant species that are critical for seed dispersal, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present. "Thus, this invasive species could have dramatic, long-term negative effects on forest understory," the service says. What should people do if they see Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are about 0.2 inches in length, and dark brown or black with the end of the antennae and the legs being a lighter orange-brown, the U.S. Forest Service says. Other ant species can look similar, "so it takes an experienced eye to positively identify them," the service says. Suiter says that you can send a photograph or a specimen to a local University of Georgia Extension office, which can help with identification. The public can also contact a professional to come out and bait for the ants, he says. The U.S. Forest Service advises people to avoid the pest and to be especially vigilant in areas with logs and rotting or rocks were the ants can nest. "Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the service says.
