The invasive Asian needle ant is a stinging, carnivorous pismire that has been slowly spreading across the US. Last year at least three cases of life-threatening anaphylactic reactions were reported in Georgia, making this little (and little-known) insect a growing problem. Asian needle ants will reach their yearly peak numbers in July and August. They are small and blend in so well that stings often occur when someone, perhaps while gardening or moving wood, unknowingly disturbs them. "Imagine somebody inserting a needle directly into your flesh," said one researcher. These ants are now widespread on the East Coast. For some, the stings can be life-threatening. For others, it's an unusual pain that can come and go for hours. Pet owners should be vigilant about where their dogs and cats venture to.

Brachyponera chinensis roughly translates as "short, wicked ant from China," though they're actually native to China, Japan, and the Koreas. And by some older translations it could also be "short constricted ants from China." These ants were first discovered in 1932 in Decatur, GA, but was only recognized as a serious pest in the past two decades as it began to spread significantly throughout the southeast. The Asian needle ant is difficult to eradicate because they don't lay pheromone trails that can be disrupted or easily used to get the ants to inadvertently take poison back to their nests. Links: USDA Info // Ant Map