Another invasive species is slowly creeping across the United States. The Asian needle ant first appeared in Georgia and North Carolina in 1932 and has spread to more than 20 states in the past few decades, according to the U.S. Forest Service. They originate from temperate regions of East Asia.
Experts are concerned that the insect is spreading across the country. This is because this insect is poisonous and its sting can cause a painful and severe allergic reaction. This tiny (and little-known) insect has become a big problem, with at least three life-threatening anaphylactic reactions reported in Georgia in 2024.
The U.S. Forest Service says ant stings are not often aggressive, but they can pierce clothing and cause severe, lasting pain. A sting can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that causes an increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat.
Here’s what you need to know about invasive ants and how to keep your family safe.
Where are Asian needle ants currently located in the United States?
There have been reports of invasive Asian needle ants in more than 20 states in the United States, primarily in the Southeast and some areas of the Mid-Atlantic coast.
According to Antmaps.org, the states reporting the highest concentrations are North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, with the most significant increases in Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, New York, and Wisconsin. There are also reports that it has appeared in Texas.
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Andrew Johnston, an insect diagnostician at Purdue University’s Department of Entomology, says it’s very possible to learn how to live with Asian needle ants in the same way we learned how to live with honey bees.
“They’re not aggressive and they don’t swarm like fire ants,” Johnston said. “Wear gloves and be careful what you’re grabbing.”
What do Asian needle ants look like?
Asian needle ants look similar to other types of ants found near your home, so it can be difficult to tell the difference between them.
Their bodies are long and slender, and the “needle” in their name is actually derived from the Japanese name Ohariari, which means “giant needle ant” and refers to the size of their stingers, according to the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
“Imagine someone sticking a needle directly into your body,” says Benoit Guenard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong who studied ants in North Carolina. “It’s a very sharp, sharp pain, but it’s quite localized.”
For example, unlike fire ants that build huge mounds to mark their location, Asian stinger ants do not create foraging tracks or visible ant lines. They prefer to nest in damp wood, such as wet mulch or fallen logs.
Even in their natural habitat, these ants can cause serious damage. According to the University of Georgia, they outnumber other ant species in importance to local ecology.
How can people get rid of them?
To date, there are no formal management recommendations for this species.
However, according to North Carolina State University, protein-based insecticide baits seem to be the most effective against this type of ant. It is important to remember that it may simply keep the colony at bay rather than eliminate it completely.
Create a dedicated bait treatment zone around your home and set it up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep a close eye on your bait for the next three to four weeks to see if there is any ant activity in your chosen area.
Contributors: Elizabeth Wise, Julia Gomez
This story has been updated to add new information.
