Aggressive ants in Germany threaten buildings, technical infrastructure
The ants – in colonies with hundreds of thousands to millions of individuals – have also been noticed elsewhere in Europe, including France
An aggressive ant species is spreading ever further north in Germany and threatening to take down power and internet connections.
Ants of the invasive species Tapinoma magnum, which originates in the Mediterranean region, are spreading as far north as Cologne and Hanover, said ant expert Manfred Verhaagh from the Museum of Natural History in Karlsruhe.
“Super colonies have from hundreds of thousands to millions of individuals,” he warned – far bigger than colonies of other ant species.
The invasion of the ant species and their colony-building is threatening buildings and technical infrastructure in Baden-Württemberg and other regions of Germany, scientists said.
In the town of Kehl, for example, there have already been power and internet outages caused by the ants.
The ant has also been noticed in other parts of Europe, such as France and Switzerland.