Invasive African ants terrorize French town of Orvault

Residents of Orvault, France, are grappling with an invasion of aggressive Tapinoma magnum ants originating from Africa. Despite numerous attempts to remove them, the insects have taken over homes and pose a serious threat. The climate is conducive to their spread in Europe.

In north-west France, residents are struggling with an invasion of alien ant species that are taking over their homes.

The Tapinoma magnum species, originating from North Africa, has become a nightmare for the town of Orvault. An example is the case of Ms Marie, whose house has been attacked by these exceptionally troublesome insects for three years.

Despite multiple interventions by specialists, the ants continue to spread throughout the house, and Ms Marie cannot control them.

As reported by Polsat, the insects inhabit every corner of her apartment, including the pipes and electrical installation. Costly attempts to get rid of them have proven ineffective, forcing the woman to adapt her life to their presence.

She keeps food in airtight containers and avoids walking barefoot outside for fear of being bitten. In desperate situations, she uses a vacuum cleaner to take a brief respite from the unwelcome guests.

The problem with Tapinoma magnum is not confined to just one house. The invasion has spread to a dozen other properties in the area, and residents, as they say, are helpless against the new threat. Specialists emphasize that these ants form large, aggressive colonies and can pose a threat not only to humans but also to agriculture.

Tapinoma magnum probably arrived in France along with the transport of exotic plants. As reported by Polsat, their ability to adapt to new conditions, supported by climate change, has enabled them to quickly settle in Europe. The number of similar cases is also rising in other regions of the country.

Climate change favours not only the invasion of these insects. Similar phenomena are also observed in Poland, for instance, the appearance of red-eared slider turtles or ring-necked parakeets, which are beginning to nest. Invasive species contribute to the reduction of space for native animals, leading to serious ecological problems.