dailyloe.com – Invasive Asian needle ants are spreading across the United States, raising safety concerns among officials. These ants, originally from China, were first discovered in the US in 1932 in Georgia. They now occupy 20 states, with major populations in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, according to Antmaps.org.
Recent reports indicate significant surges in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and New York. The needle ant has also been identified in Texas, where bioscience expert Scott Egan emphasized the importance of awareness regarding this invasive species.
These ants are particularly problematic due to their resemblance to many local species, making identification difficult. They typically exhibit mottled brown or black coloration with long, slender bodies measuring between 1/4 and 1.8 inches long.
A defining feature of the needle ant is its large stinger, earning it the Japanese name Oo-hari-ari, meaning ‘giant needle ant.’ Getting stung by this ant causes severe and acute pain, as described by Benoit Guénard, an entomology professor at the University of Hong Kong.
Guénard stated, ‘Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh.’ The pain, according to the US Department of Agriculture, can last several hours. Symptoms of envenomation can include redness, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
In 2024, three people in Georgia died from allergic reactions after being stung, as the ants’ stingers are sharp enough to penetrate clothing. The invasive ants not only pose health risks but also threaten ecological balance.
Asian needle ants outcompete native species vital for seed dispersal, potentially leading to significant ecological disturbances. Their impact could result in long-term negative effects on forest ecosystems, as highlighted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
