Invasive ant crisis: French towns under siege by Tapinoma Magnum
An invasive species of ants is troubling the residents of France. These insects cause significant damage to agriculture and homes. "This is a new phenomenon, and no one knows how to deal with it," says a concerned resident of Orvault in the north-western part of the country, quoted by ENEX.
11 September 2024 17:42
André Nyamsi Hendji, a councillor from Orvault, confirmed to the ENEX agency that this invasive species can be found everywhere. Residents are at their wit's end, believing no measures effectively combat the ants. "We are fighting them, and nothing works," says one of the residents of Orvault. "This is a new phenomenon, and no one knows how to deal with it," she added.
Another town resident admitted that she tried to get rid of the ants in her flat using a vacuum cleaner. She quickly realised that it was ineffective. "I tried, but as you can see, there are even more of them. It doesn't work," she said.
Problem with the ants
The species of ants in question is Tapinoma magnum. It originates from the southern part of the Mediterranean Basin but has now spread almost throughout the entire territory of France. According to entomologist Cyril Berquier in an interview with TF1, global warming favours the spread of the ants.
Invasion of small pests
Scientists believe that the Tapinoma magnum species poses a greater threat than it may seem. These ants are aggressive, form huge colonies, bite people, and, most importantly, damage agriculture. This invasive species can even hunt other ants.
Interestingly, the invasive ants continue to spread. There are already reports of these insects appearing in Germany. According to "Le Parisien," in recent times, ants have also damaged internet cables and a football pitch in the town of Kehl in the western part of Germany.
