Killer Asian needle ants are invading the US

Asian Needle ant populations peak in July and August (Picture: Alamy)

An invasive species of ants have been found in at least 20 US states and are spreading across the country.

Asian needle ants, also known as brachyponera chinensis, have a potentially deadly sting.

‘It injects venom that can harm you,’ University of Georgia professor of urban etymology, Dan Suiter, said recently.

‘Its sting can be life-threatening.’

People who are vulnerable to ant and bee stings could go into anaphylactic shock if bitten by Asian needle ants.

‘If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like,’ Sutter said.

Their populations peak yearly in July and August.

Asian needle ants are native to China, Japan and the Koreas.

Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, and can happen within seconds of a sting, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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