Tiny but deadly: the spread of Asian needle ants and their dangerous sting

Asian needle ants may sound exotic, but they’re becoming an increasingly common - and dangerous - presence across large parts of the United States. As summer begins and more people head outdoors, the risk of encountering these invasive insects is growing, particularly in July and August.

What are Asian needle ants?

Native to China, Japan, and the two Koreas, these ants are dark brown and often go unnoticed because they blend in easily with soil, mulch and rotting wood. Unlike other ant species, they don’t lay down scent trails, which makes them harder to detect and track.

Where are the ants found in the U.S.?

Asian needle ants were first discovered in Georgia in 1932. Since then, they have ventured as far north as Connecticut and as far south as Florida. You’re most likely to find them in the east of the country, in humid, forested areas dominated by hardwood trees.

“They’re pretty widespread on the East Coast,” says Daniel Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia.

They thrive in leaf litter, rotting logs, firewood, and mulch, often making their homes in residential yards. You’ll find them nesting under wood piles, bricks, pavers, and even in potted plants and lawns.

“People are most often stung when they’re working in their garden,” notes Theresa Dellinger of Virginia Tech’s insect identification lab.

Why their sting is dangerous

The sting of an Asian needle ant is more unusual than most.

Benoit Guénard, a professor of ecology and entomology at the University of Hong Kong, describes it as such: “Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh. It’s a very sharp, acute pain - quite local at first. But then, five minutes later, the pain comes back as if you’ve been stung again in the same place.”

While most stings cause localized pain, some can trigger severe allergic reactions. Around 1% of people stung may go into anaphylactic shock, a potentially fatal condition.

In 2024, at least three life-threatening cases of anaphylactic reactions were reported in Georgia alone. So it’s probably best to play it safe and wear gloves when you’re gardening this summer.

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