Latest news with #sting
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Health
- 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.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Warning as venomous weever fish return to British beaches
Weevers are back on our beaches for the summer season and posing a painful risk to unsuspecting fish have tiny venomous spines on their dorsal fins, which can deliver an excruciating sting to anyone who stands on Riding of Yorkshire Council said it was in the process of putting up warning signs in resorts and urged people to "not walk barefoot on the sands during the weever fish season" in the summer Bullard, who runs a first aid station in Hornsea, said the best cure for a sting was to immerse the affected area in water "as hot as you can bear it" in order to "cook" the protein in the venom. Described as "naff swimmers" by the British Marine Life Study Society, weevers spend most of their time on the sea means beachgoers wiggling their bare toes in the sand may find the feeling goes from ecstasy to easiest remedy is to wear waterproof shoes, but Ms Bullard treats about two children each week for stings suffered while advised washing the wound before removing the sting with tweezer or the edge of a credit card and then soaking it in hot advice is shared by the NHS, which recommends using salt water, rather than fresh water to rinse the wound, and soaking in hot water for at least 30 minutes while taking care not to scald. Helen Stubbs, who lives in nearby Aldbrough, said she remembered the excruciating pain when she was stung as a child after forgetting her jelly shoes. "I've never been stung by a wasp, but people say it's like that but tenfold at least," she added. "They've always been prolific on this coast, but people aren't aware of them."Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
CBS News
02-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
3 men arrested during prostitution sting in Denton County, officials say
Three men were arrested following a prostitution sting in Denton County, officials announced Monday. The Denton County Sheriff's Office said its "Prostitution Demand Suppression Operation" took place on May 29. During the operation, deputies arrested John Holland, of Alvord, Texas; Nicholas Matt, of Denton; and Patrick Smith, of Dallas. According to the sheriff's office, Holland faces a charge of online solicitation of a minor, and Matt and Smith both face charges of solicitation of prostitution. Deputies arrested John Holland, of Alvord, Texas; Nicholas Matt, of Denton; and Patrick Smith, of Dallas. Smith also faces an additional charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon. "This operation aimed to reduce prostitution in our community by arresting individuals attempting to purchase sexual favors for money," the sheriff's office said in a news release. Officials said leads on other people engaging in prostitution were identified too and are currently being investigated by the Denton County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Unit.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder arrested in prostitution sting, police say
U.S. Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder was among more than a dozen people arrested as part of a prostitution sting in Ohio, police said Monday. The former Ohio State wrestler, 29, was arrested for engaging in prostitution by uniformed officers inside a hotel room, the Columbus Division of Police said. Snyder was released from custody at the scene. Columbus Police Spokesperson Caitlyn McIntosh said officers conducted an undercover operation aimed at reducing prostitution in the city's north side on May 9. During the operation, the police division's Police and Community Together (PACT) unit published online ads to "solicit others to engage in sexual activity for hire," the department said. On Friday evening, officers received text messages and phone calls from a man responding to one of the ads and a meeting was arranged at a nearby hotel, police said. The man — later identified as Snyder — arrived at the hotel, paid an undercover officer money and requested a sexual act, police said. In this Aug. 20, 2016, file photo, Kyle Snyder, of the United States, kisses his gold medal after the men's 97-kg freestyle gold medal wrestling match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP Snyder was one of 16 men charged during the sting, police said, and he was summoned to appear in court on May 19 Snyder won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and silver in Tokyo in 2021. He's a three-time world champion who won three national titles at Ohio State. Last week, Snyder signed with the Real American Freestyle wrestling league, which is led by pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan. The new league will hold its first event Aug. 30 in Cleveland, according to The Associated Press.
