Deadly Asian needle ants invade US: What you should know and how to stay safe

An invasive ant from Asia, carrying the risk of fatal anaphylaxis, is sweeping its way across the southeastern United States. Here’s everything you need to know about these invasive ants and how to keep them away.

What are Asian needle ants?

The Asian needle ant is an invasive species of ant. Though not aggressive, these ants can sting when disturbed. The stings cause excruciating pain that comes and goes for hours. “Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh. It’s a very sharp, acute pain, but it’s quite local,” Benoit Guénard, an entomology professor at the University of Hong Kong who studied needle ants in North Carolina, told the New York Post. It can also cause people to break out in hives. The sting can also cause life-threatening anaphylaxis – a potentially deadly allergic reaction marked by respiratory problems, swelling in the throat and a rapid heartbeat.





Native to China, Japan and Korea, these ‘Asian needle ants’ were first discovered in the US in 1932. They have since spread to at least 20 states across the American Southeast, with the highest concentrations reported in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, according to Antmaps.org.

How to identify Asian needle ants?

Scientifically known as Brachyponera chinensis, these ants are small, shiny, and dark brown to black, with the ends of the antennae and the legs being a lighter orange-brown. The worker ants are about 0.2 inches in length.

Asian needle ants may need ‘an experienced eye’ to identify, as they superficially resemble other ant species in the eastern United States, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

However, they do differ from other common species of ants in many ways. For instance, they do not build visible anthills like others. Instead, they nest under and within logs and other debris, under stones, and in leaf litter. They can also survive near homes and businesses, under mulch, pavers, landscape timbers, and other objects.

Steps you can take to keep these ants away

Getting rid of Asian needle ants is not easy, especially as they are hard to detect. “Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay,” the USDA stated. Experts have not outlined a formal method to eradicate these invaders yet. According to North Carolina State University, protein-based pesticide baits seem to be the most effective. “At present, there is no formalised management recommendation. However, because this species is predatory and scavenges on invertebrate carrion, it has been noted that they will recruit to protein-based insecticide baits. Professional products such as Extinguish Plus®, Advion® Fire Ant Bait, Optigard® and Maxforce FG® are suitable baits for this pest. For homeowners, some of the fire ant baits, such as ‘Amdro’, should work.” This method, however, is management rather than eradication.

According to experts, we could learn to live in harmony with these stinging ants, just as we have with other invasive species. “They’re not aggressive, they don’t swarm the way fire ants do. Wear gloves and pay attention to what you’re grabbing,” Andrew Johnston, an insect diagnostician at Purdue University’s Department of Entomology, told the outlet.