• Stings from this ant are more likely to cause a severe allergic reaction than fire ant stings. • Asian needle ants are considered a triple threat to humans, homes, and the local ecosystem. • Unlike other ants, they are difficult to spot and control with traditional baits.

They're stealthy, travel in small groups or even alone, and can pretty much live anywhere in North Carolina.

While not as big as other invasive insects or aggressive as the more well-known and visible fire ant, this foreign invader from the other side of the world might be more of a threat to humans and the environment.

And now they've spread to almost all 100 counties in the state, including the mountains − Tar Heel territory even fire ants have yet to conquer.

"They are sneaky, but the big concern is in their

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