Super ants on the rise: Landau is fighting against the ant plague!

Super ants on the rise: Landau is fighting against the ant plague!

The invasive ant species is causing problems in LandauTapinoma magnum, also known as super ant, is currently causing a lot of excitement. This aggressive species is increasingly spreading in the region and represents a real problem for many citizens. On Tuesday evening, around 150 people gathered in the community center in Godramstein to find out about the unwanted intruders at an information event. Experts such as biologist Manfred Verhaagh explained the characteristics and behavior of this species of ant, which was first discovered in the Palatinate in 2009 and originally comes from the Mediterranean region. The introduction could have occurred through trade in non-native tree species, as SWR reports.

Those affected report serious difficulties. The ants invade both gardens and houses and make life difficult for people. A resident reports that she fights the massive ant attacks every day with hot water. These beasts form impressive “ant trails” and are able to work their way through masonry, making control very challenging.

Combat methods and problems

There are different approaches to combating the plagued ant population in the region. In Edenkoben, for example, they rely on special powders, while elsewhere the most effective, diatomaceous earth powder, is touted as a helpful solution. The ants colonize in large groups, forming supercolonies with hundreds of thousands to millions of workers and up to several thousand queens. Barbara Reuther, another affected person, describes the situation as “unbearable” and calls on the city of Landau to take coordinated action against the ant infestation. Mayor Dominik Geißler assured citizens that the city is actively working on the issue, but permanently eradicating these ants is currently not possible. They are biologically invasive in Germany, but not yet on the EU list of invasive species, as SWR explains.

Gerhard Courret, a doctor of medicine from Landau-Südwest who has been fighting against the super ant since 2018, offers a particularly interesting perspective on the topic. He has developed a new method to better control the ant population and is regularly heard in discussions about the plague, as Rheinpfalz points out. Courret's commitment and innovation could be crucial for local residents to address the problem.

The challenges remain

The ants may be small, measuring only between two and four millimeters, but their impact is large. They can bite and spray an unpleasant, although harmless, poison. Chemical control is difficult because the colonies are often underground and can also endanger other insects. The people in Landau are hoping for a solution and would like more information and assistance from the responsible authorities. Comprehensive information is also available on the “Have a say in Landau” platformTapinoma magnumprovided to encourage citizen participation.

Given the situation, it is imperative that the city works with citizens to find sustainable solutions to effectively combat the super ant infestation. The challenges that theTapinoma magnumentails, require decisive action and good cooperation.