Dangerous ant conquers Saxony: How to protect your home!

Dangerous ant conquers Saxony: How to protect your home!

In recent months, the ant *Tapinoma magnum* has been causing a stir in our gardens and cities. These small insects, which only grow to two to four millimeters in size, are now found not only in southwest Germany, but are also spreading further and further into eastern Germany, especially in Saxony. This reports MDR.

Particularly alarming is the fact that *Tapinoma magnum* can form supercolonies consisting of hundreds of thousands, even millions, of animals. This means that they penetrate into houses and possibly threaten technical infrastructure - in the worst case, power and internet outages can even be associated with this. If you suspect an infestation of this type of ant, those affected should not resort to insecticides themselves, as these are often not effective and can pose health risks.

Origin and spread

The ant species, originally widespread mainly in southwest Germany, found its first hermits in Leipzig and Coswig. The biologist Bernhard Seifert documented occurrences in Dresden-Langebrück and a garden center in Coswig. A central factor in the spread of the ants appears to be the import of Mediterranean potted plants and support from vegetable growers. Technical problems caused by the intrusion of ants have also been documented in cities like Kehl. More on this reported Mirror.

Due to the high level of variation among their workers, the ants show considerable differences in size. Anyone who discovers one of the small creatures can find out more on the website of the research project of the natural history museums in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe and even send in photos for identification. Often just one picture is enough to give the all-clear.

Expert advice and combat

Laypersons often find it difficult to identify *Tapinoma magnum*, which is why experts recommend contacting the relevant authorities if you suspect it. If an infestation is confirmed, you should not only keep an eye on your own four walls; The community should also be informed immediately. Some municipalities are already using innovative methods such as hot water devices that guarantee effective control. This is shown by the example from Zurich, where a colony was eliminated with various insecticides - but without resounding success.

The *Tapinoma magnum* with its striking appearance and characteristic mounds has established itself as a serious player in the local fauna. Combating them should be handled with care in order not only to get the infestation under control, but also not to lose sight of the ecological consequences. The research project, which highlights the ecological characteristics of ants, remains a valuable contact point for interested citizens.

Nature never sleeps, and so it's up to us to show a good hand when dealing with these small but stubborn residents. Stay alert and well informed!