Updated April 9, 2026, 2:20 p.m. ET
Unsuspecting bugs with probably deadly stings have invaded the U.S., spreading throughout the nation, and are inflicting havoc on native ecosystems.
The bugs, often known as Asian needle ants, are venomous and ship a painful sting that may trigger extreme allergic reactions, and their unfold throughout the nation worries consultants.
In closely invaded forests in Georgia, the ants have unfold so broadly 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, instructed USA TODAY.
But they don’t seem to be simply a difficulty for folks going for a hike, and might simply adapt to dwelling in city, suburban, and forested areas.
Here’s what you’ll want to find out about the invasive ant and defend your self and your loved ones.
What do the ants appear like?
The ants are shiny and vary from darkish brown to black, in line with the Forest Service. But their again legs and antennae are an orange-brown coloration. They are additionally small, with employees being about 0.2 inches lengthy.
Identifying Asian needle ants could be difficult, as they appear just like different ant species.
Can Asian needle ants harm folks?
Yes, the ant’s venom may cause a “throbbing, stinging sensation that can last over 30 minutes,” in line with Poole. “The throbbing and stinging can come back later in the day.”
When Poole was stung, the sting website was crimson, itchy, and mildly swollen.
However, the response could fluctuate from individual to individual, and could also be worse for somebody who is allergic to insect stings. People have reported extreme reactions, together with anaphylaxis, after being stung by the ant.
The Asian needle ant’s venom is additionally a bit extra more likely to trigger an allergic response than the sting of a honey bee, in line with North Carolina State University (NC State).
Where can the Asian needle ants be discovered?
The ants, that are native to Asia, with a variety that features China, Japan, and North and South Korea, have been reported in a number of states, together with the following, in line with AntMaps:
- Arkansas
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- North Carolina
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia
The ants have unfold to the West Coast and Midwest, and have been reported in Washington and Wisconsin, in line with AntMaps.
“It is likely the range of needle ants is greater than what is currently known, since the ants can easily go undetected,” Poole acknowledged.
Invasive ants go unnoticed
The colonies are additionally smaller than these of different ants generally discovered in one’s house, in line with NC State.
“The species does not build obvious mounds like the well-known red imported fire ant,” stated Poole. “Asian needle ant colonies can go easily unnoticed.”
These bugs do not name a typical ant hill house, and as a substitute are discovered in the following issues, Poole acknowledged:
- Mulch
- Potted crops
- Cracks in branches
- Logs
- Railroad ties
- Under leaf litter
- Potting and landscaping soil
- Wood chips
The ants are right here to remain
The ants have been in the U.S. for nearly 100 years, in line with Poole. But, in line with the Forest Service, the affect they’ve had on native ecosystems wasn’t realized till the final 20 years.
Areas the place Asian needle ant populations have been established have seen decreased native ant populations which can be key to dispersing seeds of native plants in forests.
The ants are additionally “highly predacious” and can hunt different bugs and invertebrates, or scavenge for meals, in line with Poole.
Management methods and bait choices are being researched, however regardless of the detrimental unintended effects, the ants are most likely right here to remain, in line with the Forest Service. Not solely is it expensive to take away, however measures to exterminate the Asian needle ant in forested or distant areas might additionally hurt helpful species.
“It is extremely challenging to eliminate Asian needle ants once they are established,” Poole acknowledged. “Prevention is key.”
To keep away from spreading Asian needle ants, Poole recommends folks be cautious when transferring supplies, particularly wooden and different landscaping supplies, Poole acknowledged.
How to guard your self from being stung
Asian needle ants aren’t often aggressive, regardless of their powerful sting. But folks ought to nonetheless take precautions.
“Being careful where you sit or set your belongings is important,” Poole stated.
Double-checking the place you are resting or inserting your issues might help stop you from coming in contact with colonies that is likely to be nesting there. People must also be cautious whereas close to logs, rotting wooden, and rocks, the place the ants could be positioned
People with recognized allergens or sensitivities to insect venom may select to hold an epinephrine auto-injector, an EpiPen, in line with the Forest Service.
This story has been up to date to incorporate new info.
Julia Gomez is a Trending reporter for USA TODAY and covers fashionable toys, area phenomena, scientific research, pure disasters, holidays, and trending information. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or electronic mail her at jgomez@gannett.com.
