Ant invasion in Saxony: The large glandular ants threatens technology!
Ant invasion in Saxony: The large glandular ants threatens technology!
In Saxony there are the latest news from the world of small crawlers that can cause big problems. The invasive ant species Tapinoma Magnum, also known as a large glandular ant, is widely spreading. Three locations have already been documented in cities such as Coswig, Langebrück and Übigau (Dresden). These voracious little animals not only reduce the quality of life in the gardens, but can also cause serious damage to the technical infrastructure. In Kehl, for example, there were already electricity and internet failures that can be attributed to these ants, as https://www.diesachsen.de/umwelt/tapinoma-ameise-breit--sich-in-sachsen-aus-3033862) reported.
The large glandular ants normally measures between 2 and 4 millimeters, whereby the size and appearance of the workers can vary greatly. In the event of a threat, the ant releases an intensive fragrance and builds striking sand and earth hills around its nests. Bernhard Seifert, former head of the flight insects section at the Senckenberg Museum, classified the occurrence of this kind in Dresden-Lanbrück and a garden center in Coswig. These ants have a particularly effective distribution mechanism: they often go to us about the import of Mediterranean container plants, such as via garden center, the Baden-Württemberg Natural History Museum.
The challenge of fighting
The fight against tapinoma magnum is extremely difficult because supercolonies can consist of hundreds of thousands of to millions of individuals. Direct intervention by private individuals is often considered not very useful. The use of insecticides is theoretically possible, but often not effective. These means can endanger and also damage the health of people and also damage useful insects. [Das Naturkundemuseum therefore recommends that the municipality be informed in order to enable a coordinated procedure.
In the city of Kehl, it is worked with hot water devices at an early stage to counteract the ants plague. Such measures could also be important for other municipal areas to develop effective strategies and to exchange experiences how to successfully eliminate a new colony in Zurich thanks to quick action.
an eye in other invasive types
The Tapinoma Magnum is not the only invasive ant that causes a stir in Germany. Also species such as the forgotten path ants (Lasius Neglectus) or the Argentinian ant (Linepithema Humile) show what can happen if not traded in time. They form super colonies that can provide challenges in different areas. Information on this can be found at MDR knowledge.
Overall, it should be borne in mind: The small large glandular ants could ultimately cause some major problems if it is not reacted quickly. It is important to pay attention to such invasive species and to take targeted measures in the sense of sustainable cooperation with nature.
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