I keep seeing news stories about invasive ant species becoming a problem in Kentucky. Should people in Lexington be worried about these ants, and what do they actually look like compared to regular ants we're used to seeing around here?

The Asian Needle Ant is definitely spreading through Kentucky, and University of Kentucky entomologists confirmed it's been in our state since at least twenty thirteen. Just recently, these ants invaded a home in south central Kentucky and stung the homeowner, which was one of the first reports of them coming indoors.

So what makes them different from the regular ants we see around town? I mean, I see plenty of ants in my yard, but how would I know if these are the ones to worry about?

Asian needle ants have a large stinger at the end of their abdomen that's usually visible to the naked eye, and they're about twice as long as the odorous house ants we're used to seeing but smaller than carpenter ants. They have dark brown to black bodies, but their legs and mouthparts are light brown to amber orange, and they're longer and thinner than other commonly seen ants. The reddish tinted legs and antennae really stand out against that darker body.

And these stings are actually dangerous?

Their sting is painful with a burning sensation paired with a pins-and-needles feeling that can last for a couple of weeks. The pain comes and goes over several hours, and their venom can trigger anaphylaxis, which causes swelling of the tongue and throat and difficulty breathing. At least three people in Georgia were hospitalized last year after getting stung. Most people don't need medical treatment unless they have known allergies to bee or wasp stings, but fortunately, they're not typically aggressive and only sting when they feel threatened.

Where would someone in Lexington most likely encounter these?

They nest in moist, damp areas like rotting logs, leaf litter, loose soil, potted plants, mulch, and they're found in residential settings, parks, and urban areas where they occur under railroad ties, logs, bricks, and pavers. People often get stung when they put their bare hands on or close to colonies in mulch or soil, or when moving logs or landscape materials, and when the ants get trapped between clothing and skin. The good news is they prefer staying outdoors and preying on termites and other ants.

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