Basel relies on thread worms in the fight against the invasive Japanese worker

Basel relies on thread worms in the fight against the invasive Japanese worker

The Swiss city of Basel has an innovative strategy in the fight against the invasive Japanese worker, which has been spreading in the region since the middle of the year. From Monday, threadworms that are scientifically known as nematodes will be used on lawns and in public parks to combat the harmful beetle larvae. This was confirmed by the responsible offices of the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft.

The use of these nematodes is particularly noteworthy because they represent a natural control method. The small worms are not visible to the human eye and penetrate into the larvae of the Japanese agent, where they kill them. The flora in the region is under pressure because the Japanese worker, which originally comes from Asia, is classified as a serious threat to agriculture, especially wine and fruit growing. It eats over 300 plant species, including roses and grapes, and leaves devastating damage.

effects on the environment and neighboring regions

Basel is on the border with Germany, which also complicated the situation. After the discovery of the Japanese powder population, measures were taken in the neighboring district of Lörrach to keep the animals in check. In this so -called "infestation zone", plants may not be moved for the time being to prevent further spread.

various experts and institutions such as the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture in Germany and the Julius Kühn-Institut already warn of the possible effects of this invasive way. The Japanese worker, which is about one centimeter tall, has a shiny, metallic green-colored head and brown wing that is easy to see. Females like to put their eggs in damp grass surfaces where the larvae can live on grass roots and damage them.

An alarming sign for the region and beyond: Several male specimens of the Japanese beer were caught in Freiburg im Breisgau at the end of July. These finds suggest that the beetles, possibly through freight transport, were introduced in Europe. This has led to increased protective measures in the affected region to preserve the lawn and plant stocks from the voracious pest.

The decision to use nematodes to combat beetle larvae could be an important step in ecological pest control. The cantons noticed that these worms are harmless to other animals and humans. Nevertheless, the method requires careful treatment: the areas must be kept moist to ensure the effectiveness of the nematodes. Basel not only shows the will to limit damage, but also how important sustainable solutions are in dealing with environmental problems.