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Clear some space, Joro spiders. There’s an additional invasive species dominating Georgia yards this summer.

The Asian needle ant is gaining notoriety as a “medical pest.” This indicates that the ant not only disrupts the surroundings they invade but also affects the individuals residing there.

Though this ant variety has existed in the U.S. since the 1930s, its expansion through the Southeast poses a significant risk for those allergic to other insects such as wasps or yellowjackets, stated Dan Suiter, an Orkin Distinguished Professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and UGA Cooperative Extension.

With ant populations peaking in July and August, Suiter urges individuals to be prepared to recognize this hazardous pest. Here, he addresses some of the most urgent inquiries regarding the newest invasive species to appear in your newsfeed.

What are Asian needle ants?

Brachyponera chinensis, or the Asian needle ant, is a stealthy ant. They measure 3/16 of an inch in length and prefer to stay hidden.

Asian needle ants are peculiar in that they can establish themselves in older, untouched hardwood environments. They favor large oak trees, leaf litter, and decaying logs on the ground, such as firewood piles near your home or any tree bark. The ants also gather beneath rocks, stones, and in areas with high moisture content.

People usually overlook them. Unlike fire ants, which construct visible mounds, the Asian needle ant doesn’t create foraging trails — those lines of ants that are easy to spot.

These ants also disrupt native ecosystems. They outcompete other ant species vital to the ecology of that region.

Should we be worried?

The native ants we’re familiar with aren’t aggressive. They’re merely in search of food.

However, the needle ant does sting, making it more than just a nuisance. Its venom can cause harm. The sting can be potentially life-threatening.

Moreover, the pain from this ant’s sting may resurface days later, which makes the spread of the needle ant a critical concern.

Where are Asian needle ants located?

This species was first identified in Georgia in the 1930s, but significant study didn’t begin until approximately 20 years ago after its spread. The ants are now widespread along the East Coast.

If you reside in an area where your yard borders hardwoods, recognizing these ants is essential for your safety.

Some ants invade new areas and establish themselves at the expense of other native ant populations. This is the pattern we’ve observed with the Asian needle ant.

Who is vulnerable if stung?

You might be thinking, “It’s only an ant.”

However, if someone has had an adverse reaction to a bee or ant sting in the past, they might be at risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock from the needle ant’s sting.

If you are prone to anaphylaxis, it’s crucial to be familiar with what this ant looks like. It could also be wise to carry an EpiPen.

What can individuals do to eliminate them?

Proper identification is essential because many ants present in the environment won’t negatively affect your health. They’re just minding their own business.

You can send a photo or a sample to a local UGA Extension office, where agents can assist with identification.

Afterward, you can reach out to a professional for ant baiting services.

Peak activity of the needle ant coincides with the time people spend outdoors the most. We all aim to stay healthy while enjoying the summer, so don’t hesitate to contact your county Extension agent with any identification inquiries.

The post Are Asian needle ants your backyard’s next invasive threat? appeared first on UGA Today.

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