THE SUN – A sting from an Asian needle ant can trigger anaphylaxis.
The invasive species has been in the South for 90 years, but has recently seen a surge in population.
As if Argentine tegu, brown marmorated stink bug and emerald ash borers weren’t enough invasive species for South Carolina, now comes a resurgence of the Asian needle ant whose painful sting can cause death.
The ant has been in the United States for some 90 years, but scientists say the population has recently been increasing in the South, the Clemson University Home and Garden Information Center says on its website.
“This ant is not very well-recognized, even by entomologists,” the information center said. “Although it is very common in the Upstate of South Carolina, it is rarely identified.” TOP VIDEOS It resembles a common fire ant, and a sting is often attributed to that invasive species from South America.
The Asian needle ant sting can trigger anaphylaxis.
How to protect yourself:
- Limit lawn ornamentation.
- Make sure screens on doors and windows fit.
- Treat nest sites with insecticide.
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