Though the Asian needle ant has been in the U.S. since the 1930s, scientists have issued a warning to Texans after the insect has grown in population in the Lone Star State.
Dr. Scott Egan, a biosciences professor at Rice University, told KPRC 2, "It's important to be aware of this new invader, but we need to learn more.
"They've been in the U.S. for decades, but we're still learning how they affect different environments, including here in Texas."
The Asian needle ant carries a particularly painful sting and has proven to disrupt native ecosystems. According to Chron, some sting victims have experienced severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Texans are encouraged to report unfamiliar ant activity, especially in damp areas where the ant thrives.
"The arrival of invasive species like the Asian needle ant reminds us how interconnected and fragile our ecosystems can be," Egan said.
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