An invasive ant species capable of delivering a painful and potentially dangerous sting is spreading across the United States, prompting warnings from experts and federal officials.
The Asian needle ant, originally from China, has been present in the U.S. since at least the 1930s, when it was first identified in Georgia. Since then, the species has expanded into at least 20 states, with the largest populations concentrated in the Southeast, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. More recent increases have been reported in states such as Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and New York, and the ants have also been detected in Texas.
Experts say the insects can be difficult to identify because they resemble other common ant species. Typically mottled brown or black, they have slender bodies measuring roughly a quarter inch to nearly two inches in length. Unlike some invasive ants, they do not build visible mounds or travel in noticeable trails, often nesting under rocks, logs, or other debris.
Their sting, however, sets them apart.
Entomologist Benoit Guénard described the sensation as intense and immediate: “Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh,” he said, per the New York Post. “It’s a very sharp, acute pain, but it’s quite local.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says the pain can come and go for several hours.
In some cases, the sting can trigger severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can involve breathing difficulties, swelling, and a rapid heartbeat. In 2024, three deaths in Georgia were linked to such reactions following stings.
Despite the risks, experts note that the ants are not as aggressive as other invasive species, such as fire ants.
“They’re not aggressive, they don’t swarm the way fire ants do,” said Andrew Johnston, an insect diagnostician at Purdue University, per the Post. “Wear gloves and pay attention to what you’re grabbing.”
Beyond human health concerns, the ants may also disrupt ecosystems. Researchers say they displace native ant species that play a critical role in seed dispersal, potentially affecting plant life and forest environments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned that “this invasive species could have dramatic, long-term negative effects on forest understory.”
Efforts to control the species remain limited. While certain pesticide baits can reduce their numbers, experts say eradication is unlikely. Federal officials acknowledge that the ants may be a permanent presence in the U.S., emphasizing awareness and precaution as the best defense.
