Consequences of harvester ant incursion into urbanized areas: A case history of sting anaphylaxis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Over a two-year period in Arizona, there were 237 reported cases of people stung by ants. Most of these cases were caused by harvester ants and native fire ants, which pose a significant health risk to a small percentage of the population who are allergic to their sting. We report a case of anaphylaxis in Tucson caused by a sting of Pogonomyrmex rugosus. In addition, due to the severity of their sting, harvester ants can also become a nuisance pest when they infest urban environments. A field survey and a phone survey of pest control companies in Tucson demonstrated the prevalence of harvester ants in residential areas. Increasing urbanization in the habitat of Pogonomyrmex species will lead to increasing numbers of serious reactions to their stings.