Latest news with #Suiter
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Invasive Stinging Ants That Can Cause Anaphylaxis Are Becoming A Problem In The South
The Asian needle ant is a small, brownish ant that is often seen wandering alone. It has a sting that can cause anaphylaxis in some people. The Asian needle ant was first found in three Southeastern states in 1932 and now lives throughout the Southeast according to the U.S. Forest Service. Put aside your worries about fire ants for just a moment, because a less familiar ant with a nasty sting is becoming a problem in the South. The Asian needle ant is a small, brownish ant that is often seen wandering alone and has a sting that can cause anaphylaxis in some people. The ant has caused concern in Georgia, where one entomologist got three calls about serious anaphylactic reactions in 2024. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather. While there's no way to know who will have a reaction to the stings, Suiter says that anyone who carries an Epipen for other stinging insects should be exceptionally cautious. The Asian needle ant was first found in three Southeastern states in 1932 and has spread to many more since then, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The ant now lives throughout the Southeast and has traveled as far north as Wisconsin and upstate New York. It's also been found way out in Washington state. Unfortunately, the invasive insect limits the presence of native ants that are critical for dispersing seeds in forests. This threat to the native ants then also poses a the threat "to understory forbs like our beloved spring ephemerals - trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, violets, etc. - through their decimation of native ants that disperse seeds," Dr. James T Vogt, Center Director of Southern Research StationCenter for Forest Assessment and Synthesis told Southern Living. Asian needle ants are black or brown with orangey legs. Because they look like so many other ants, Suiter recommends sending a photo to your local extension agent for identification. Then call a pest control company to set bait or treat nests. Asian needle ants are usually seen wandering alone rather than following other ants. They aren't aggressive, but can sting if they get in your clothing or you accidentally come into contact. Signs of anaphylaxis may include skin reactions, low blood pressure, a constricted airway or wheezing, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Invasive insect poses health threat in 19 states, expert warns
An invasive species spreading across America has created a "medically important" and "life-threatening" threat, according to experts. Originally found in places like China and Korea, the Asian needle ant was first introduced to America in the 1930s, but was overlooked for nearly a century, according to Dan Suiter, a Georgia-based entomologist. "It never really garnered a lot of attention," Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox News Digital. Invasive Fish Competition Returns With Anglers Making 'Reel Rewards' The species has now spread to 19 U.S. states, and its bites sent three people to the hospital with anaphylactic shock last year, the expert warned. While it has spread mostly to southeastern states, researchers have also identified it in Washington. There is also a report from Texas, but it needs verification, according to Read On The Fox News App "This is something I thought needed to be brought to people's attention because it's just a hidden little critter," Suiter said. "You know, it's down in the leaf litter. It's in shaded areas with hardwood trees." The U.S. Forest Service stated in a research report that the sting of the Asian needle ant is its "most troubling characteristic." Man Finds 'Candy-like' Diamond While Exploring Arkansas State Park: 'Chance Of A Lifetime' "The sting ... it's odd," Suiter told Fox News Digital. "I've been stung by it … the pain will go away and then it comes back … there have been cases where the pain will come back days later." While only three cases last year have been traced back to the Asian needle ant, the professor said it's possible there are more. "I suspect there are people who have shown up in emergency rooms where physicians just didn't know what happened ... and it was an ant sting," he said. While most ants follow a "trail," the Asian needle ant comes on its own, and is "mostly predatory." "It's a cryptic ant," said Suiter. "You'll just see a single ant kind of wandering around, almost looking lost." Unlike other ant species, the Asian needle ant infests undisturbed forests, where it nests under logs, stones and leaf litter. The Federal Register defines invasive species as those that are nonnative (or alien) to the ecosystem and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. "Of great concern is the apparent ability of Asian needle ants to displace ant species that are critical seed dispersers," writes the Forest Service. According to Suiter, the Asian needle ant has "decimated" ant populations in native habitats all over American forests. When Asian needle ants invade forests, they can also impact native plants' ability to grow appropriately. They can also be found near homes and businesses under mulch, pavers, landscape timbers and other objects, according to the Forest Service. People who are hypersensitive to other stinging insects may be at increased risk of anaphylaxis from Asian needle ant stings and should exercise caution, according to the Forest Service. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter If possible when stung, collect the insect and bring it with you when being treated by a medical professional so they can confirm the cause. For more Health articles, visit If you haven't been stung but suspect you've come across the invasive Asian needle ant, it's recommended to contact your local county extension agent, who can connect you with appropriate resources to identify the article source: Invasive insect poses health threat in 19 states, expert warns
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Venomous Ant With Possibly Fatal Sting Spreads in United States
An invasive venomous ant with a potentially deadly bite is spreading throughout the United States. The venomous Asian needle ant is spreading throughout the United States, and its sting can cause an allergic reaction that could send people to the hospital. Symptoms of the dangerous sting can include difficulty breathing, a weak or rapid heart rate, vomiting, hives, fainting, and tongue swelling. Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, recently opened up about the potential dangers of the invasive species of ant. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Suiter told Fox Weather. "It gets a little bit more serious when the sting of an insect can be life-threatening to people who suffer anaphylaxis," Suiter continued. The invasive species is native to Asia. While it has been in the United States for more than 90 years, the population has recently exploded, spreading primarily throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. However, the potentially deadly ants have also been seen as far north as New York and Washington. Part of the reason for their spread is their resilience, as they can live in warm and cold weather and thrive in both forests and urban environments, nesting under doormats or in potted plants. They can even eat human garbage. 'This behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory,' said Dr. Mary Bates of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The ant's swarming season typically stretches from the spring to late summer, during which time the ants may enter people's homes. It's worth noting that there's no way to predict who will experience anaphylaxis and have a potentially deadly reaction to the sting. However, people who have reacted adversely to other insect stings and carry an Epipen should remain especially on alert.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
An invasive venomous ant is spreading in the US — here's where people should watch out because a sting can be fatal
Neighborhoods across the Southeast need to be on the look out for venomous Asian needle ants this summer - and be warned its sting can be deadly. People may suffer from an allergic reaction after a sting that can send them to the hospital without treatment. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a weak or rapid heart rate, vomiting, hives, fainting and tongue swelling. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather this week. He said that the number of calls from individuals who suffered from the reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, have prompted the shift. Last year, Suiter said he received three such calls. "It gets a little bit more serious when the sting of an insect can be life-threatening to people who suffer anaphylaxis," he explained. The species, which is native to Asia, has been found in the U.S. for 90 years, but its population has exploded recently. Just how many of the ants there are today remains unknown, but they have historically been found in forest areas. They're found largely in the eastern U.S., including the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. However, have also been sighted as far north as New York and Washington. The ants' stings 'work to their advantage in gaining new territory,' according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are not picky about where they live, and can thrive in forests and urban environments. In neighborhoods, they nest under doormats or in potted plants, with colonies ranging from a few dozen ants to as many as a few thousand. They eat termites, but also go for human garbage. 'This behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory,' the association's Dr. Mary Bates said. While the ants aren't naturally aggressive, they may sting if they end up in clothes or if someone places a hand on top of one, researchers at Clemson University noted. 'During their swarming season, the chance of receiving a random sting increases because the females are more likely to land on an individual or get trapped in clothing. Often people are stung when brushing an ant off their skin. If an ants lands on you, it is best to flick it off, rather than brush it off,' they said. The swarming season typically stretches from the spring to late summer. If someone has been stung, there's no way to predict who will experience anaphylaxis and who will not. However, people who have reacted adversely to other insect stings and carry an Epipen should remain alert. A sting from the Asian needle ant is somewhat more likely to cause an allergic reaction than the venom in a honey bee's sting, according to North Carolina State University. While the pests are tiny, the risk of a sting can be mitigated by cleaning up and keeping wood dry and off the ground. 'During swarming season, it commonly enters homes and other buildings. To reduce the chance of them coming in from their outdoor habitats, well-fitted screens on doors and windows will be helpful,' the Clemson researchers added.
The Independent
01-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
An invasive venomous ant is spreading in the US — here's where people should watch out because a sting can be fatal
Neighborhoods across the Southeast need to be on the look out for venomous Asian needle ants this summer - and be warned its sting can be deadly. People may suffer from an allergic reaction after a sting that can send them to the hospital without treatment. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, a weak or rapid heart rate, vomiting, hives, fainting and tongue swelling. "We are now considering it a medically important pest," Dan Suiter, an Orkin distinguished professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, told Fox Weather this week. He said that the number of calls from individuals who suffered from the reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, have prompted the shift. Last year, Suiter said he received three such calls. "It gets a little bit more serious when the sting of an insect can be life-threatening to people who suffer anaphylaxis," he explained. The species, which is native to Asia, has been found in the U.S. for 90 years, but its population has exploded recently. Just how many of the ants there are today remains unknown, but they have historically been found in forest areas. They're found largely in the eastern U.S., including the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Alabama. However, have also been sighted as far north as New York and Washington. The ants' stings 'work to their advantage in gaining new territory,' according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They are not picky about where they live, and can thrive in forests and urban environments. In neighborhoods, they nest under doormats or in potted plants, with colonies ranging from a few dozen ants to as many as a few thousand. They eat termites, but also go for human garbage. 'This behavioral versatility is allowing the Asian needle ant to move into forests, rural areas, and urban environments at the same time. And because it can tolerate cooler temperatures, it could spread into a broad range of territory,' the association's Dr. Mary Bates said. While the ants aren't naturally aggressive, they may sting if they end up in clothes or if someone places a hand on top of one, researchers at Clemson University noted. 'During their swarming season, the chance of receiving a random sting increases because the females are more likely to land on an individual or get trapped in clothing. Often people are stung when brushing an ant off their skin. If an ants lands on you, it is best to flick it off, rather than brush it off,' they said. The swarming season typically stretches from the spring to late summer. If someone has been stung, there's no way to predict who will experience anaphylaxis and who will not. However, people who have reacted adversely to other insect stings and carry an Epipen should remain alert. A sting from the Asian needle ant is somewhat more likely to cause an allergic reaction than the venom in a honey bee's sting, according to North Carolina State University. While the pests are tiny, the risk of a sting can be mitigated by cleaning up and keeping wood dry and off the ground. 'During swarming season, it commonly enters homes and other buildings. To reduce the chance of them coming in from their outdoor habitats, well-fitted screens on doors and windows will be helpful,' the Clemson researchers added.
