Recent reports indicate that the invasive species known as the Asian needle ant, or Brachyponera chinensis, is spreading across the United States, with documented sightings in at least 20 states.
Primarily concentrated in the northeastern and southeastern regions of the U.S., these ants have also been identified in states like Wisconsin, Texas, and Washington, as noted by the ant detection resource, antmaps.org.
Distinguishable by their shiny dark brown to black coloration, Asian needle ants are relatively small, measuring about 0.2 inches in length, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
Identifying these ants can be tricky, as other species in the Eastern United States may resemble them closely, creating a challenge for those not trained in ant identification.
Originating from China, Japan, and the Koreas, Asian needle ants were first encountered in the U.S. back in 1932. Their preference is for dark, concealed hardwood habitats, such as logs and landscape timbers, where they typically establish small colonies. Unlike many ant species, they do not create visible foraging trails, making them more challenging for homeowners to detect.
Although these ants are generally not aggressive, they can sting when provoked, leading to symptoms such as hives, itching, nausea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
According to the USFS, stings from Asian needle ants can cause a range of physical reactions, including low blood pressure, swollen tongue or throat, dizziness, and even trouble breathing.
Dan Suiter, an Orkin Distinguished Professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia, has noticed a concerning trend in stings from Asian needle ants.
In the past year, he received multiple calls from homeowners who suffered severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, after being stung. Recently, he was informed of a case where a woman remains hospitalized following a sting.
Over his 25 years of experience, Suiter highlighted that he had previously received very few reports of anaphylactic reactions due to stings from other ant species, indicating a significant increase in occurrences related to Asian needle ants.
The Asian needle ant population tends to thrive during the warmer months, with a peak in activity during July and August. Interestingly, these ants can tolerate cooler temperatures, allowing them to emerge as early as March.
To minimize the risk of encountering these ants, Suiter suggests homeowners wear thick gloves when working outdoors and consider removing potential nesting sites of hardwood.
This includes practices like stacking firewood off the ground and properly sawing any fallen logs to reduce nesting opportunities.
Suiter emphasizes that effectively managing Asian needle ants requires specialized bait from professional pest control services rather than over-the-counter solutions.
The bait works by allowing the ants to consume it and share it with their colony and queen, leading to a gradual decrease in their population.
It is crucial to use professional pest control services, as the baits intended for these invasive pests can also affect native ant species. Proper application by trained professionals minimizes the potential adverse effects on the local ecosystem.
As the presence of Asian needle ants expands across various regions, homeowners are encouraged to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families from the potential dangers associated with these invasive insects.
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