Red alarm level: Mediterranean ants spread out in Hesse!

Red alarm level: Mediterranean ants spread out in Hesse!

Darmstadt, Deutschland - in Hesse, a new threat causes excitement: the invasive tapinoma ants, also known as large glandular ants, have now also reached our federal state. After making headlines in other parts of Germany, their first discovery in Hesse was made by an expert in Darmstadt. This type of ant is not only recognizable by its massive appearance, but also through the formation of supercolonies that can include millions of members, and they represent a significant danger to buildings and technical infrastructure, reports fr.de .

It is worrying that experts urgently warn of a further spread of this kind. Tapinoma Magnum is currently not to be found on the EU list of invasive species, which means that strict requirements are missing to combat these vigorous insects. In this context, the Nature Conservation Association (NABU) Fulda criticizes the inadequate financial resources and the defective personnel among the nature conservation authorities. Here it seems as if the authorities need additional support to effectively counteract the spread. This topic was also recently on the agenda of the Environment Minister of all federal states who discussed the possibilities of combating invasive species, as the Fuldaer Zeitung records fuldaerzeitung.de .

a dangerous spread

The large glandular ants is not only known for its mass spread, but also for the fact that it is able to penetrate into buildings and cause damage there. In Kehl, a hotspot of the ants plague, there have already been electricity and internet failures as a result of their activities. No further evidence in East Hesse has been known in Hessen, but this could only be a matter of time if the ants continue their distribution bfn.de .

the NABU and other environmental experts urgently call for a national list to prevent the introduction of aggressive species, in particular by trading in Mediterranean plants. The situation is serious and requires quick action before it is too late. In addition to the Tapinoma Magnum, there are already around 900 established neobiota species in Germany, and the trend towards the increase in invasive species is alarming. Until around 1850 there was only a slow climb, but since the last 170 years the number has increased rapidly, often favored by international trade and travel.

Another problem is the visibility of the ants. They can often be discovered near sand hills on curbs and sidewalks and occur massively. This may not be aware of this for many people, but it could prove to be important to have a good eye on these little plagues in order to be able to react in time.

The developments leave a queasy feeling for everyone who is directly or indirectly affected. The population is required to be careful and possibly also report suspected cases in order to be able to take measures in good time.