The Asian needle ant, a species originally from Asia, has been a resident of the United States for almost a hundred years, predominantly in the Southeast. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that the ant has been a part of the country’s ecosystem since 1932 and is now found in several Eastern Seaboard states, including Georgia.
Dan Suiter, a renowned professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia, has recently drawn attention to the medical implications of this ant species. While ants are generally seen as a mere annoyance, especially when they infest homes or businesses, the Asian needle ant presents a more serious risk due to its ability to trigger anaphylaxis in humans.
Suiter, who also works as an extension entomologist, collaborating with homeowners and pest control experts to identify various insect species, pointed out that the danger increases when an insect’s sting can be fatal. In 2024, he received three reports of individuals experiencing anaphylaxis after being stung by an Asian needle ant.
Despite its non-aggressive nature, the Asian needle ant will sting if it finds its way under clothing. Symptoms of anaphylaxis following a sting can include swelling of the tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, skin reactions like hives, low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, and psychological symptoms. It is unpredictable who will experience anaphylaxis after a sting, but those who have previously had adverse reactions to other insect stings should exercise caution.
Asian needle ants typically reside in logs or firewood, stones, and leaf litter, with a particular preference for hardwood environments. They are small, about three-sixteenths of an inch, and are most active during the summer months. Unlike other ants, they do not follow trails but walk erratically and are usually solitary.
Suiter stressed the importance of correctly identifying the Asian needle ant, suggesting that individuals collect or photograph the ant and send it to an extension agent for identification. The Asian needle ant not only poses a threat to humans but also disrupts local ecology by eliminating other native ant species that play a vital role in seed dispersal.
To control the ant population, Suiter advised cleaning up loose logs or firewood and keeping them dry and off the ground. Pest control companies can also assist in controlling the populations through baiting techniques.