Urgent Alert: Deadly Ant Species Threatens the Southeast – UGA Researchers Sound the Alarm

GEORGIA (WRBL) — Researchers from the University of Georgia are sounding the alarm for Southeast U.S. residents about the resurgence of a troublesome invasive ant species.

Known as the Asian needle ant, or Brachyponera chinensis, this tiny insect measures just 3/16 of an inch but poses significant threats, particularly to individuals allergic to ants and bees.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture identifies the Asian needle ant as an invasive species that poses stinging hazards.

First identified in Georgia in the 1930s, the Asian needle ant has been the subject of research for nearly two decades. Over the years, it has spread across the East Coast, becoming more problematic as warmer weather draws people outside.

“There are likely people across Georgia and the Southeast who have been stung and ended up in the hospital without knowing what hit them,” explained Dan Suiter, an Orkin Distinguished Professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia. “Because the ant is so small—only 3/16 of an inch—you might be gardening, get stung, and find yourself in distress and hospitalized just ten minutes later.”

Asian needle ants typically appear in old, hardwood habitats, like big oak trees, leaf litter, dead logs, firewood and tree bark. Researchers say they can also appear under rocks, stones and areas with high moisture.

Unlike other types of ants, the Asian needle ant does not build mounds or establish foraging trails (lines of ants you can see).

While the needle ants aren’t aggressive, their stings can be life-threatening.

“If you or somebody in your family suffers from anaphylaxis, it’s something that you should know, whether it’s on your property or not. Because when you’re out gardening, that’s when you’re probably most likely to come in contact with that ant – is in the summertime when we’re out. And that’s the time when the ant is most active.” Suiter says.

University of Georgia officials say that identification of these ants is critical. Individuals can send a picture or a specimen to a local UGA extension office, whose agents can further help with identification.