If you ’re allergic to bee stings , take extra care around this invasive ant that ’s spreading in certain regions .
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Key Takeaways
Many households are conversant with the crushing belongings damage cause bycarpenter antsor the painful persistence of red fire ants , but the lesser - known invasive Asiatic needle ant is here — and experts say its universe is spreading .
accord to theUnited States Department of Agriculture ( USDA ) Forest Service , the ant ’s deadly sting can cause severe allergic reactions , which in rare cases can be animation - threatening . The comparatively new species is making its agency through the Southeast and Northeast U.S. Here ’s what you take to know to protect yourself .
How to Spot Asian Needle Ants
The Asiatic needle ant is a virulent insect , and it ’s made a home in the U.S. since as far back as 1932 . However , the recent uptick in population size of it has experts touch on . The USDA first noticed a job back in 2021 , when it discovered the species spread along the East Coast .
Today , these ants in the main exist in undisturbed and temperate eastern North American forests . They make their homes under rocks or buried in debris , but they have the voltage to move closer to rest home , peculiarly in the summertime .
The USDA name them as small and glistening with dark brown to black coloring . The ends of the antennae and the leg are a light orangeness - Robert Brown , and they value about 0.2 inches long . ( It ’s easy to slip them for other types of ants , but do n’t get too closelipped to regain out for sure . )
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Environmental and Health Impact
Over the retiring 20 age , researchers have noted that several beneficial ant species were compromised in areas taken over by Asiatic needle pismire . ( Helpful ants disperse seeds , whereas Asian phonograph needle pismire do not . )
Additionally , getting burn by an Asian needle ant can be dangerous due to the lifetime - threatening anaphylaxis that a pang can set off . These factors , along with the fact that they are foreign-born to the U.S. , have cause expert to tag the emmet as an invasive species .
Before youpack upand move out West away from these blighter , the USDA notes that Asiatic needle ants are not typically aggressive , like red-faced fire ants , and not everyone will have a serious allergic chemical reaction . But ( and this is a braggy but ) , individuals with a known allergy to bugs should take supernumerary carefulness , and everyone should familiarize themselves with the possible risks . If you do get stung , the insect bite will be painful enough to point out .
“ flimflam are often reported to result in vivid pain at the site of the sting that comes and goes over the course of several hours . Some hoi polloi experience pain out from the sting internet site , ” the USDA report read . “ Redness of the skin and mild to severe urticaria ( nettle rash ) are reported as symptoms . ” Among those stung , just over 2 % experienced anaphylaxis .
What to Do to Protect Yourself
If you suspect you have anant problem , whether the Asian needle ant species or another , there are some thing you could do .
First , the USDA says to endeavor to annul the pest , which will probably be in wooded sphere on the property , under logs , in leaf , under rocks , etc . In the summer months , Asian needle ant can get closer to home , like under a doormat or behind a planter . These ants have strong enough stingers to get through canonic article of clothing , so layer up .
Also , familiarise yourself with the signs of anaphylaxis , and get medical aid forthwith if you experience any of the followers after a bite :
Those with a know risk should carry epinephrine injections to administer before seek help . finally , pick up any rot Ellen Price Wood or loose leaves from your property to give these ants fewer places to obliterate .
