Painful Stinging Ant Now Found in Parts of Texas

It’s that time of year again, when you know that ants are out just like you and you have to prepare your ankles! Just when you thought fire ants were the worst backyard surprise in Texas, meet the Asian needle ant- a tiny invader with a painful sting and a growing presence in the Lone Star State. Recently spotted in wooded areas and suburban neighborhoods, this stinging insect isn’t just a nuisance- it’s a potential disruptor of local ecosystems and a threat to anyone unlucky enough to cross its path barefoot. Scientists say it’s early days, but Texans might want to start keeping an eye on the mulch and leaf piles.

What is the Asian Needle Ant?

Unlike your average backyard ant, the Asian needle ant comes equipped with a stinger- and it’s not afraid to use it. While many people will just feel a sharp, burning pain, for those with allergies, the sting can lead to serious reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a medical emergency! And here’s the kicker: they don’t have to swarm to be dangerous. A single sting is enough to cause problems, especially if you're sensitive or unlucky enough to step on one barefoot in your yard.

These ants are most active in the early spring and fall, which gives them a head start over other species. So while you're out enjoying a mild Texas hike or raking up leaves, they might already be setting up camp nearby.

According to researchers from Rice University, the ants have recently been spotted near the Big Thicket, and their presence is expected to grow unless residents and pest control experts intervene early.

How to Spot the Asian Needle Ant

Asian needle ants are about a quarter-inch long- roughly the size of a grain of rice. They have shiny dark brown or black bodies with lighter orange or rust-colored legs and mandibles. Unlike fire ants, they don’t march around in big aggressive trails. Instead, they move slowly and tend to nest in quiet, damp places.

You’re most likely to encounter them when doing yard work, gardening, or spending time outdoors in wooded or shaded areas. If one happens to crawl on you, the sting is quick, sharp, and definitely memorable.

What to Do If You Find An Asian Needle Ant

If you think you’ve spotted Asian needle ants, don’t panic- but do take action. Take a photo or collect a sample (safely) and report it to your local extension office or a university entomology department. In Texas, Rice University researchers are actively tracking sightings.

Call a professional pest control service if you suspect a larger infestation. DIY methods may not work well, and incorrect treatments can harm native species.

If you or someone nearby is stung and shows signs of an allergic reaction (like swelling, difficulty breathing, or dizziness), seek emergency medical attention right away.
Right now, sightings are still relatively rare in Texas. But with warmer winters and a changing environment, they’re likely to become more common. The good news? With a little awareness (and maybe fewer barefoot strolls through the yard), you can avoid these tiny troublemakers altogether.