Alarm in Hesse: Large glandular ants conquer schools and gardens!

Alarm in Hesse: Large glandular ants conquer schools and gardens!

The large glandular ant (tapinoma magnum) spreads rapidly in Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate and causes a stir, especially in Reinheim. This ant species, originally from the Mediterranean, was spotted in large numbers in a primary school, where it has nestled in radiators and lamps. According to fr.de so far have no effects on school, but experts are afraid that the situation with the return of the warmer could.

The sightings in the Gersprenzschule in Reinheim are not the first of its kind. There are already reports on colonies of these ants in other Hessian cities such as Wippenbach and Bad Vilbel, as well as in several places in Rhineland-Palatinate. These ants are easy to recognize: they are small, black and have an unpleasant smell that is reminiscent of rancid butter. It is known that this type of super colonies forms that consist of millions of individuals and can cause considerable damage.

The risk of infrastructure

The nest behavior of the large glandular ant is particularly problematic. The nests can create cavities under sidewalks, which can lead to accidents. In addition, cases are already documented in which these ants have caused electricity and internet failures by nesting themselves in distribution boxes. This was most recently observed in Kehl, where similar super colonies were active. Biologist Martin Felke was hired as an expert to evaluate the dangers of these ants in Reinheim, while the district is taking measures to combat the spread of the ants. Tagesschau reports on the planned combat methods, which comprise both hot water foam for the outdoor area for interior.

The spread of the large glandular ants can be seen as a direct result of global trade. Experts suspect that the ants came to Germany primarily through the trade in container plants. A spokesman for the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg points out that experts should quickly determine the nests in order to find plant sources identified as "Superspreader". Climate factors additionally promote the spread, since the kind of practices that enable it to survive difficult winter.

invasive species and their consequences

The debate about the classification of the big glandular ant as an invasive way has not yet been decided. Experts disagree whether these ants are considered a real threat to the local ecosystems. With around 900 established neobiota species in Germany, the largest group of which are plant species, the concern about the spread of non-domestic species is growing on local habitats. bfn.de points out that an increased new ambalance has been observed in the past 170 years, which has been closely connected to global trade.

The big glandular ants has spread greatly in recent years and shows how climate change could favor the living conditions of this kind. Over the winter, your danger is reduced by the cold -related damping of your activity, but as soon as the temperatures rise, the population could be increased further. Citizens are asked to be vigilant and to report suspicions immediately to the local authorities.