AUGUSTA, Ga. ()- Sightings of a potentially deadly invasive species are spreading across the United States.

They’ve been spotted in at least 17 states including Georgia and South Carolina.

This ant species has been around since the 1930s, but now it’s becoming known as a “medical pest”.

It is the Asian Needle Ant, and it could be your next stinging nightmare.

The Asian Needle Ant looks just like a regular ant, but a professor from UGA says there is one thing that makes it different.

“What makes them a bit unique is that some individuals get stung by them and can suffer from anaphylactic reactions, which can be extremely dangerous. Last year, I encountered numerous cases involving people who reached out to me in my role as an extension entomologist. Many reported being stung and experiencing anaphylaxis, leading to hospitalization,” explained Dr. Dan Suiter, Entomologist at UGA Orkin.

And he says that they mainly live in hardwood places.

“These ants inhabit logs, so it’s important to keep firewood elevated off the ground. If the wood is in contact with the soil, ants may infest it and be brought indoors, where stings become a risk. When gardening, if you pick up something that’s been on the ground for a while, check underneath it. If you notice ants, brush them off and get them identified.”

Dr. Suiter advises that if you suspect you have these ants in your yard, you should capture a few in a jar and send them to Richmond County Extension Coordinator, Campbell Vaughn, for identification.

Photojournalist: Dania Alawir