With Asian needle ants crawling into news coverage recently, UF/IFAS ant expert Andrea Lucky can speak with the news media about these invasive pests and their spread throughout the Southeast and U.S. East Coast.

Lucky, an association professor in the Department of Entomology and Nematology, focuses her research on the evolution of ants and the spread of ants into different areas. Her lab specializes in the causes and consequences of ant invasions.

Asian needle ants are most commonly found in homes in July and August – but they’re here now – and they sting. Their venom can cause anaphylaxis in certain people, especially those who are allergic to stinging insects like hornets or honeybees.

The ants are versatile, which makes them able to spread further, since they can tolerate cool and warm climates and can be found in urban, suburban or rural areas.

While the ants are most prevalent in the Southeast, they have reached U.S. areas as far north as New York. They look similar to harmless types of ants and are small (about 0.2 inches long), shiny and are dark brown or black.

To set up an interview, please contact me or Meredith Bauer at meredithbauer@ufl.edu.