A tiny invasive insect, the Asian needle ant, is posing a potentially fatal threat across much of the East and Midwest of the United States, with experts warning that its presence is peaking. The primary danger from this unassuming pest is its painful sting, which can induce severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis. For individuals prone to allergies, an unexpected encounter with this ant can quickly escalate into a medical emergency, making awareness and caution paramount during its most active season.
The severe danger of anaphylaxis is starkly illustrated by the experience of Georgia resident Susan Simon, who has been stung three times and was recently hospitalized in the ICU. She stressed the unpredictable nature of the allergy, stating, “You won’t know if you’re The serious risk of anaphylaxis is clearly shown by the experience of Georgia resident Susan Simon, who has been stung three times and was recently hospitalized in the ICU. She emphasized the unpredictable nature of the allergy, saying, “You won’t know if you’re allergic to it until you’re stung. And I think that’s frightening.” Recalling a particularly serious reaction where she lost consciousness, Simon added, “My family was here to help, thank goodness. I lost consciousness, and they actually caught me as I was going down.”allergic to it until you’re stung. And I think that’s frightening.” Recalling a particularly severe reaction where she lost consciousness, Simon said, “My family was here to help, thank goodness. I lost consciousness, and they actually caught me as I was going down.”
Compounding the danger is the ant’s deceptive appearance. At only about 3/16 of an inch long, it closely resembles a common black ant, making it difficult to identify and avoid. According to Daniel Suiter, an entomologist at the University of Georgia, these ants do not travel in trails and prefer to live in leaf litter and rotting wood. This elusive behavior means they have remained largely undetected for decades, increasing the risk of sudden, unexpected stings that can trigger anaphylaxis.
Suiter explicitly warns of the severe allergic reactions, noting that the ant’s sting could send a person into anaphylactic shock. He emphasizes that individuals who are already allergic to other insect stings, such as those from fire ants, bees, or wasps, are at a particularly “serious risk of anaphylaxis” from the Asian needle ant. This cross-reactivity places a significant portion of the population at a heightened and often unknown risk.
The entomologist believes the true prevalence of these severe reactions is likely far greater than official numbers suggest, indicating a growing public health concern. “The fact that I got three calls last year from people who suffered anaphylaxis tells me it’s kind of the tip of the iceberg,” Suiter stated. This suggests that as the ant continues to spread, the number of dangerous, life-threatening allergic reactions is likely to climb.
Faced with this threat, some residents feel a sense of helplessness, with Simon lamenting, “I don’t know what we can do about it, except just stay away.” However, Suiter provides a critical piece of advice to mitigate the most extreme danger. He strongly recommends that anyone with a known allergy to insect stings carry an epinephrine auto-injector, a first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, especially when spending time outdoors where encounters are more likely.
Here is Ms Simon telling her story in an Atlanta News First report:
People are often stung when they place their bare hands on or close to Asian needle ant colonies in mulch or soil, or when moving logs or landscape materials covering a nest. There have also been reports of individuals being stung when the ants get trapped between clothing and bare skin, or when someone attempts to brush the ants off with a bare hand.
To avoid stings in areas where Asian needle ants have been identified, wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and long pants when working outdoors where the ant can be found, such as under downed trees and in mulch beds. Closed-toe shoes should be worn with socks, and consider applying insect repellent to footwear and clothing.
If you have been prescribed epinephrine for any reason, be sure to always carry two doses everywhere, every time, and administer the first when you first suspect anaphylaxis.
- Sting from invasive ant sends Georgia woman to ICU — Atlanta News First
- Georgia woman shares details of how invasive ant sting sent her to hospital — YouTube
- Asian Needle Ant — Virginia Cooperative Extension