Ant invasion in Saxony: Large glandular ant threatens infrastructure!

Ant invasion in Saxony: Large glandular ant threatens infrastructure!

The Large Gland Ant, also known asTapinoma magnum, is currently on the rise in Germany and is causing headaches not only for nature lovers but also for the authorities. The country's biodiversity is specifically threatened by invasive species like these. What's behind this little black ant and why is it on everyone's lips?

Current reports show that three locations of this ant species have been documented in Saxony: Coswig, Langebrück and Übigau near Dresden. It is believed that this ant species spread through the import of Mediterranean potted plants, particularly through garden centers and vegetable growing. There have already been power and internet outages in Kehl, Baden-Württemberg, which were directly linked to the activities of theTapinoma magnumare attributable. A worrying development, especially since the ants had also been sighted in other federal states such as Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and even in cities such as Cologne and Hanover. Nature is also affected: the ants undermine soil, which can lead to problems in playgrounds, for example, and they create sought-after “ant highways” in search of food.

The dangerous thing about the little vermin

The daily news reports that the ants are typically only 2 to 4 millimeters long, but that is not a given. Significant size differences can be observed among the workers. The small mounds of sand and earth that form at the nest entrances are striking. When there is impending danger, the ants release an intense scent, which makes fighting them more difficult. Because these aggressive small animals form large networks and not individual colonies. Experts warn of super colonies that can contain hundreds of thousands to millions of ants.

Another problem is the identification of this ant species. Although the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation has determined that the species is not officially classified as invasive in Germany, it is increasingly perceived as a pest. Bernhard Seifert, former head of the flying insects section at the Senckenberg Museum, has confirmed its occurrence in garden centers in Dresden and Langebrück. Many citizens could turn to their municipalities for information on control, as the use of private insecticides is not advisable as they are often ineffective and harmful to health. Ludwigshafen24 describes that in some cities hot water is already being used to combat it - a method that is promising but also costly and labor-intensive.

Prevention and control

Controlling this invasive ant species is challenging because they reproduce quickly and occur in large groups. Early detection of an infestation is crucial, and homeowners are advised to regularly inspect garden plants and inoculated soil. Suspicious animals should be reported immediately. It is also particularly important to keep sidewalks and gardens clean and to close potential entry points into buildings.

In conclusion it can be said that theTapinoma magnumnot only represents a challenge for nature lovers, but can also have an impact on the technical infrastructure. The increasing reports indicate that quick action is required to contain the spread of the ants. It is therefore up to each individual and the relevant authorities to deal with the problem and take appropriate measures.