Invasive Ant Species Expands Across Germany, Threatening Infrastructure

Tapinoma magnum, native to the Mediterranean, forms massive supercolonies and causes widespread disruptions, prompting urgent collaborative containment efforts.

The invasive ant species Tapinoma magnum has rapidly spread from southwestern Germany to northern cities like Köln and Hannover.
The ants form supercolonies of hundreds of thousands to millions, posing significant risks to buildings and technical infrastructure.
Affected areas, including Kehl, have reported power and internet outages, as well as closures of public spaces such as playgrounds.
Scientists and government officials met in Offenburg to coordinate containment strategies, including the use of hot water treatments by some municipalities.
Despite its rapid spread and damaging impact, Tapinoma magnum has not yet been officially classified as an invasive species, complicating regulatory responses.