North Carolina – Fire Ants

If you’ve ever graced the sultry Southeast U.S. with your presence, chances are you’ve crossed paths with the notorious fire ants. These feisty critters were stowed away on a ship and invaded U.S. soil via Mobile, Alabama, in the 1930s. They’ve since conquered nearly every state in the region, even venturing West. While they’re usually just pesky party crashers, ruffle their feathers, and they’ll swarm faster than a crowd at a free concert!

In an unexpected twist of fate, fire ant bites can trigger allergic reactions, sometimes severe enough to send someone into shock. In a tragic incident in 2018, a man from the picturesque state of North Carolina met his untimely demise due to an extreme allergic reaction caused by these fiery little creatures. It’s a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable side, even in the form of tiny insects.