Alarm in Saxony: The invasive ant tapinoma magnum threatened infrastructure!

Alarm in Saxony: The invasive ant tapinoma magnum threatened infrastructure!

Kehl, Deutschland - The invasive ant species tapinoma magnum , also known as the big glandular ant, causes excitement in Germany. Their spread increasingly affects regions such as North Rhine-Westphalia, including our beloved city of Cologne. Recently, copies were discovered at various locations of this type of ant, which were introduced with plant transport from the Mediterranean area, reports the .

The ants, with a size of only 2-3 mm, form huge super colonies and can spread in dangerously in houses. You not only bring annoying interruptions in electricity and internet supply, but also leave damage to the infrastructure. Among other things, there was power failures and even the closure of a children's playground, for example in Kehl, where the soil was reduced by the ants, such as the mdr reported.

unknown threat

The first proof of the tapinoma magnum in Germany goes back to 2009 in Rhineland-Palatinate. Since then, the ant has spread primarily in southwestern Germany, but also in Cologne and Hanover. Special occurrences have recently also been reported in Saxony, especially in Dresden and Coswig. This spread was classified by experts as a serious problem, as was the Tagesschau

The difficulties in combating are considerable. The ants look confusingly similar to domestic species, which is why it is often difficult for lay people to identify them. Expert groups are in exchange about possible measures, but a safe way to eliminate this plague is not yet known. Municipalities sometimes use hot water devices, while citizens are asked to report finds via internet portals such as "Naturportal Südwest".

our roommates of the other kind

What could be signs of an infestation? These include, among other things, characteristic sand hills on the sidewalks and the typical smell of rancid butter, which is released when the ants are crushed. Allergies can also be caused by the contact \ with the animals, but they are not yet known as a carrier of diseases.

The scientific studies on the tapinoma magnum are already running and experts assume that the ant represents a potential threat to our residential areas. However, the Federal Environment Ministry has so far not found a threat to domestic species. The municipalities are now asked to take care of the topic.

It remains to be seen how the situation develops. In any case, all citizens should have a waxing eye on our little roommates and find out about the current developments.