Connecticut at Risk: Dangerous Invasive Insects on the Rise in 2025

Remember the good old days when the only thing you had to worry about while playing outside was those annoying bees? Now we’ve got two more bugs to keep an eye out for.

The Asian Needle Ant is a Venomous and Invasive Species

The Asian needle ant is native to Southeast Asia but has slowly expanded its range across the southeastern United States and up the East Coast. Though not yet confirmed in Connecticut, experts say it may only be a matter of time.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, unlike most ant species, this one packs a powerful sting that can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals. According to researchers at North Carolina State University, the Asian needle ant can establish colonies earlier in the year than native ants, giving it a competitive edge.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is monitoring for the species and encourages residents to report unusual ant activity. Suspected ants should be collected, frozen, and sent to CAES for identification. My question is, what is 'suspected ant activity'?

The Spotted Lanternfly: Flashy Pest with a Big Appetite:

The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) may be quite the eye-catcher, but it's unfortunately quite destructive too! It's already made its presence known in several areas of Connecticut, particularly in Fairfield County. Originally found in Pennsylvania, this little visitor loves to snack on the sap of more than 70 types of plants, including grapes, fruit trees, and hardwoods. It's important to stay aware and protect our plants from this pest!

Their feeding weakens plants and trees and leaves behind a sticky residue that encourages the growth of black mold. This can damage crops, harm landscaping, and create slippery, unsightly surfaces outdoors. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) urges residents to kill any lanternflies they see and report sightings to help slow their spread. You also might want to take a look at my article about Cicada Killer Wasps!