Deadly Ants Are Spreading Across America; You Might Not Even See Them Coming | World News
New York: It began quietly and without being noticed almost a century ago. A small insect specific to the regions of Asia took its head towards American territory – probably stuck in transport chests or plant materials. Today, the same insect, Asian needle ant (brachyponera chinensis) is no longer a quiet choice. Now it is crawling in at least 21 US states from the deep south to the northwest Pacific.
Worrying experts are how effectively they are held. The landscapes are verified in various states such as Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. What makes this ant so problematic is the ability to slip until it is too late.
Unlike many other invasive ants, Asian needle ants do not form visible feeding lines. They work carefully, nest under the rotting stumps, under the rocks, in the property, and even in the stacked firewood. Early activated – some of them begin to build colonies that develop in the warm and humid corners of the suburban backgrounds and city parks in March – and in March.
The victims define their inserts as a sharp jab, like a needle that pierces your skin ”. He sends them to life -threatening anaphylaxis. For those with allergies, even a single insertion can immediately trigger a serious and rapid reaction that requires medical assistance.
The real scope of allergic sensitivity among Americans is still unknown, but in the natural range, approximately 2% of the stings result in anaphylaxis. This is enough to put emergency services on the alarm, especially in areas where ant footprints grow.
An invisible war under the surface
Beyond human health, the Asian needle ant makes a quieter war – against American domestic ant species. These indigenous ants are not only harmless; They serve critical ecological roles such as helping to distribute seeds and keeping pest populations under control. But they are not a match for the invader.
Asian needle is aggressive and efficient. Once it has been established, it starts to push domestic colonies, seize food resources and nesting areas. This deterioration sends fluctuations throughout all ecosystems. Plants lose seeds. An ant -based foods and small mammals are suffering. And over time, the landscape itself begins to change in an invisible but undeniable way.
Controlling spreading is a difficulty. Most consumer class treatment is useless. Professional pest controllers rely carefully in the calibrated feeding techniques to prevent damage to non -target species.
Suiter advises the residents to take early steps such as wear gloves, to remove piles of firewood from their living spaces and to remain awake for ants who do not follow their usual trace patterns.
Still, this is a war uphill. Researchers who follow the ant movement through states like North Carolina warn that people are starting to understand the scale.
Scientists continue to follow their expansion.
