An invasive species of stinging ant is spreading across the United States with detections in at least 20 states. Brachyponera chinensis, or the Asian needle ant, have been found mostly in the northeastern and southeastern U.

The ants may find shelter in forest areas, near homes and businesses, under mulch, pavers or landscape timbers, the USDA reports. To be safe from the ants, take care around potential nesting areas such as rocks, logs, rotting wood, and leaf litter.

Believe it or not, there is an ant that has a sting that's more powerful than the fire ant. Unfortunately, it's an invasive species and it comes from China as well as Japan and North and South Korea. The ant has now been found in Texas and can cause a lot of issues.

Invasive and aggressive, the Asian needle ant has made its way into Texas, where it threatens native species and outdoor safety.

A tiny but troublesome ant is creeping into Texas, and scientists are urging the public to stay alert. The Asian needle ant—small, dark, and easy to miss—has been in the U.S. since the 1930s, but recent sightings in Texas have raised concerns about its painful sting and its potential to disrupt native ecosystems.

WELL, THERE IS A NEW WARNING THIS SUMMER ABOUT THE ASIAN NEEDLE AND THE STINGING ANT HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN AT LEAST 17 STATES, WITH THE INSECTS NOW CREEPING THEIR WAY INTO TEXAS FOR THE FIRST TIME. WILDLIFE OFFICIALS ARE WARNING OF AN INCREASE IN ALLERGIC REACTION TO THE ANTS.

The Asian needle ant lives in damp places like rotting logs, mulch and soil, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It inhibits other ant species from dispersing seeds, spelling trouble for wildlife on the forest floor. The tricky thing about this bug is it's hard to see — with a small, wood-colored body, it blends right into its habitat.

In the video below, Jack identifies the Rapacious Panther Ant as having the most painful ant sting in Texas. That's until his arm was introduced to the Hairy Panther Ant a year later. (Skip to the 4 1/2 minute mark to see the skewer)

The ants are can bite and pass on an allergic reaction.