An aggressive ant species spreads in northern Germany

An aggressive ant species is increasingly spreading in northern Germany, threatening power grids and internet connections.

The invasive Tapinoma magnum ants, which originate from the Mediterranean, have already reached Cologne and Hannover in the north of the country, according to Manfred Verhaagh, an expert at the Karlsruhe Museum of Natural History.

„The huge colonies consist of hundreds of thousands to millions of individuals– far more than any other ant colonies, he warned.

The invasion of these ants and their colonies threatens the buildings and technical infrastructure of Baden-Württemberg and other regions of Germany, according to the scientists.

For example, in the city of Kehl, these ants have already caused disruptions in the power supply and internet connection.

In addition, this ant species has also been observed in other European countries, such as France and Switzerland.

German scientists and authorities have launched the first joint project to prevent the spread of the insects.

Tapinoma magnum is not officially considered invasive, as it does not pose a sufficiently high risk to native ecosystems so far.

But Andre Baumann, Environment Secretary of Baden-Württemberg, says he considers Tapinoma magnum to be a "pest" species, although it is not legally called such.