Floridians already have to worry about Burmese pythons, cane toads and Argentine tegu lizards … do we have to worry about invasive venomous ants now, too?
Asian needle ants have been slowly spreading across the United States for nearly 100 years, with the majority spotted in the southeastern United States.
Originally found in eastern Asia, these insects pack a mighty punch with their sting, as their venom can cause serious allergic reactions. Do Floridians need to worry about spotting these in their backyard?
What are Asian needle ants? How dangerous are they?
Asian needle ants are an invasive species whose native range includes China, Japan and the Koreas, according to the U.S. Forest Service. They note they were first found in the United States in 1932
These small insects are shiny, dark brown to black, with the ends of the antennae and the legs lighter orange-brown.
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When Asian needle ants sting, the venom they inject 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 Forest Service.
Are Asian needle ants in Florida now?
Yes, the Asian needle ant has been spotted in Florida. However, they are not spotted as often as they are in other Southeastern states.
There have been two recorded instances of the Asian needle ant in Florida, one near Tallahassee and the other near Kennedy Space Center, according to Dr. Jason Williams, postdoctoral research associate, entomology and nematology at the University of Florida, in an email to the USA TODAY Network last year.
See states where Asian needle ants are in the USA
Reports of the invasive Asian needle ants have been received from more than 20 states in the United States, mostly in the Southeast and certain regions of the Mid-Atlantic.
The ants are becoming increasingly widespread, but they are mostly found in areas with hardwood trees and undisturbed forests, 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.
What happens if I’m stung by an Asian needle ant?
When stung by an Asian needle ant, it can feel like somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh. Stings are often reported to cause intense pain at the site that comes and goes over several hours. Some people experience pain away from the sting site. Redness of the skin and mild to severe hives are reported as symptoms.
If the ant’s venom triggers an allergic reaction, it can lead to difficulty breathing, swelling and can be fatal.
In 2024, at least three cases of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions were reported in Georgia, making this little (and little-known) insect a growing problem.
If you do experience an anaphylaxis from an Asian needle ant bite, the Forest Service recommends seeking medical treatment as soon as possible.
Contributing: Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, and Cheryl McCloud, USA TODAY NETWORK Florida
Samantha Neely is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, theme parks, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
