An established colony of invasive, stinging ants was detected in East Baton Rouge this month, marking the first confirmed sighting in ¶¶Òõh, according to
The Asian needle ant, known by the scientific name Brachyponera chinensis, was spotted at the Waddill Wildlife Refuge area by entomology professor Chris Carlton after two residents posted pictures of what they believed was the bug in June.
While the ant species has been present in the U.S. for almost a century, they weren't considered a problem until about 15 to 20 years ago, when they began spreading rapidly.Â
In Mississippi, the pest has been , though no established populations have been confirmed yet.Â
Despite the lack of previous confirmed sightings in ¶¶Òõh, the presence of a colony indicates the pests have been here for longer than previously known.Â
"They likely have been here for at least a year or two," LSU entomology assistant professor Aaron Ashbrook said.Â
'Kind of cryptic'
Asian needle ants — slender, reddish-brown insects measuring about 5 millimeters long — are typically found in forested areas, specifically in soil and on wet wood.Â
Their venom is considered to be more painful than a fire ant sting, but comparable to that of a wasp or bee sting. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, their stings could result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that often involves blood pressure drops, trouble breathing and a weak pulse.
Compared to other stinging insects, however, Ashbrook said the ants are not aggressive.
"They're kind of cryptic," he said.
On the upside, Asian needle ants are experts at hunting down another familiar southern pest.Â
"The ants are termite specialists and prefer to feed on them," Ashbrook said.Â
What to do if you spot one
For entomologists across the state, it's important to document sightings of the elusive pest. If you do happen upon the insect, Ashbrook advises to document it on sites like and .
"That was what ultimately allowed us to find this ant— individuals in the state reporting sight of it," he said.
If you happen to get stung by an Asian needle ant, it's important to monitor your symptoms, as people have vastly different reactions. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture, allergic reactions may occur several hours later.
Around the site of the sting, hives, flushed or pale skin and itching can appear.
If you're working with wood, consider wearing leather gloves to protect yourself from the species.Â
