US Faces Threat From Spreading Asian Needle Ants That Trigger Anaphylaxis, and They Are Hard to Stop

Asian needle ants are spreading across the United States, raising concern due to their ability to trigger rare but serious allergic reactions and their difficulty to control once established. (Credit: 6abc Philadelphia YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT)

Asian needle ants are quietly spreading across parts of the United States, and experts are starting to pay closer attention because their sting can, in some cases, trigger serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Known scientifically as Brachyponera chinensis, this invasive ant is not new to North America. It has been present since at least the early 1900s, but recent reports suggest it is spreading more widely and becoming a growing concern for both scientists and public health experts.