Americans should be on alert for a stinging insect that's spreading across the United States this June.
So far, at least 20 states have detected Asian needle ants. They've been found mostly in the northeastern and southeastern regions of the United States. However, some were spotted in Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
Asian needle ants were first discovered in the United States in 1932. The U.S. Forest Service said it takes "an experienced eye" to positively identify them.
Dan Suiter, a professor for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, spoke to ABC News about this invasive species. He has received calls from three separate people who suffered anaphylaxis after getting stung by an Asian needle ant.
"In 25 years, I've had one phone call from an individual who was stung by a fire ant and suffered anaphylaxis, another one by something called a twig ant," Suiter told ABC News. "When I start getting calls annually about people who have been stung by an Asian needle ant, it says to me that there's a trend there."
If you're stung by an Asian needle ant you could also develop symptoms such as hives and itching, low blood pressure, swollen tongue or throat, nausea, dizziness, weak or rapid pulse, and difficulty breathing.
Asian needle ants usually nest themselves in dark, hidden hardwood habitats. Their population typically grows during the warmer weather months.
Suiter is recommending that people remove nesting sites of hardwood. That's if they're going to be working outside this summer.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/IuS5jTP
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