Unsuspecting insects with potentially lethal stings have invaded the U.S., spreading across the country, and are causing havoc on local ecosystems.
The insects, known as Asian needle ants, are venomous and deliver a painful sting that can cause severe allergic reactions, and their spread across the country worries experts.
In heavily invaded forests in Georgia, the ants have spread so widely that “Asian needle ants are in or under nearly every stump, log, or branch on the forest floor,” Emilee Poole, an entomologist with the U.S. Forest Service, told USA TODAY.
But they aren’t just an issue for people going for a hike, and can easily adapt to living in urban, suburban, and forested areas.
Here’s what you need to know about the invasive ant and how to protect yourself and your family.
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What do the ants look like?
The ants are shiny and range from dark brown to black, according to the Forest Service. But their back legs and antennae are an orange-brown color. They are also small, with workers being about 0.2 inches long.
Identifying Asian needle ants can be tricky, as they look similar to other ant species.
An Asian needle ant worker. They insects are small and can grow to be 0.2 inches long.
Can Asian needle ants hurt people?
Yes, the ant’s venom can cause a “throbbing, stinging sensation that can last over 30 minutes,” according to Poole. “The throbbing and stinging can come back later in the day.”
When Poole was stung, the sting site was red, itchy, and mildly swollen.
However, the reaction may vary from person to person, and may be worse for someone who is allergic to insect stings. People have reported severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, after being stung by the ant.
The Asian needle ant’s venom is also a bit more likely to cause an allergic reaction than the sting of a honey bee, according to North Carolina State University (NC State).
Once an Asian needle ant population has been established, they are difficult to remove.
Where can the Asian needle ants be found?
The ants, which are native to Asia, with a range that includes China, Japan, and North and South Korea, have been reported in multiple states, including the following, according to AntMaps:
The ants have spread to the West Coast and Midwest, and have been reported in Washington and Wisconsin, according to AntMaps.
“It is likely the range of needle ants is greater than what is currently known, since the ants can easily go undetected,” Poole stated.
Invasive ants go unnoticed
The colonies are also smaller than those of other ants commonly found in one’s home, according to NC State.
“The species does not build obvious mounds like the well-known red imported fire ant,” said Poole. “Asian needle ant colonies can go easily unnoticed.”
These insects don’t call a typical ant hill home, and instead are found in the following things, Poole stated:
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Potting and landscaping soil
The ants are here to stay
The ants have been in the U.S. for almost 100 years, according to Poole. But, according to the Forest Service, the impact they’ve had on local ecosystems wasn’t realized until the last 20 years.
Areas where Asian needle ant populations have been established have seen reduced native ant populations that are key to dispersing seeds of native plant life in forests.
The ants are also “highly predacious” and will hunt other insects and invertebrates, or scavenge for food, according to Poole.
Photo shows Asian needle ants emerging from below a piece of bark.
Management strategies and bait options are being researched, but despite the negative side effects, the ants are probably here to stay, according to the Forest Service. Not only is it costly to remove, but measures to exterminate the Asian needle ant in forested or remote areas could also harm beneficial species.
“It is extremely challenging to eliminate Asian needle ants once they are established,” Poole stated. “Prevention is key.”
To avoid spreading Asian needle ants, Poole recommends people be cautious when moving materials, especially wood and other landscaping materials, Poole stated.
How to protect yourself from being stung
Photos shows Asian needle ant workers.
Asian needle ants aren’t usually aggressive, despite their powerful sting. But people should still take precautions.
“Being careful where you sit or set your belongings is important,” Poole said.
Double-checking where you’re resting or placing your things can help prevent you from coming in contact with colonies that might be nesting there. People should also be cautious while near logs, rotting wood, and rocks, where the ants can be located
People with known allergens or sensitivities to insect venom can also choose to carry an epinephrine auto-injector, an EpiPen, according to the Forest Service.
This story has been updated to include new information.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers popular toys, space phenomena, scientific studies, natural disasters, holidays, and trending news. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Invasive Asian needle ants with powerful sting spreading in US, Ohio
