Close-up of ants eating a dead earthworm.
Share this @internewscast.com

A STINKING species of super-ant is storming through Europe on a path to the UK.

The millions-strong mega-colonies have wiped out power supplies and even roads as they overwhelm the ground beneath entire towns.

Close-up of ants eating a dead earthworm.
Tapinoma magnum ants have been moving north through EuropeCredit: Getty
Tapinoma magnum ants covering electrical equipment.
They can chomp through electric cables, cutting out power suppliesCredit: TFI
Illustration of invasive ant spread across Europe.

The species, called Tapinoma magnum, hails from the Med and North Africa – but has been pushing up through the continent.

They spread rapidly and establish supercolonies of up to 20million across 60 acres which are “virtually impossible” to eradicate.

There were so many ants, you couldn’t see the floor anymore

Agnes WirthOetwil an der Limmat resident

And anyone who dares squash a T. magnum is greeted by the stench of rancid butter.

The invaders hit headlines in Sweden this week as officials in regions around the capital Zurich attempt to oust the pests.

The ants have also taken root in France – but Germany has suffered the most.

In Germany, the sleepy south-western town of Kehl has been swamped.

Locals reported watching the town’s pavements and curbs sinking as the earth was carted away by the bugs, causing havoc with the roads.

And a playground was forced to close after ants took over the entire area and turned it into a nest.

City workers had to jet hot water into the labyrinth to wash them out.

The wider state of Baden-Württemberg has suffered power cuts and internet outages after the insects chomped through electric cables.

Watch incredible vid of ants OUTSMARTING humans to solve puzzle first

T. magnum’s destructive power comes from the sheer scale of their underground warrens and their tireless determination to expand.

While most ant species organise a few thousand workers around a single queen, T. magum clans contain up to 20million and hundreds of queens.

Instead of attacking one another, the smaller colonies merge together in alliance.

The British Pest Control Association told The Sun that the UK is at risk from the advancing crusade.

Individual efforts by homeowners and gardeners can’t control an infestation

Niall GallagherTechnical Manager at BPCA

They explained the ants “spread mainly through horticultural imports, especially potted plants and trees from the Mediterranean”.

They added: “If T. magnum were to establish here, it could become a nuisance.

“They form vast supercolonies, displace native species and can even cause structural issues by excavating under paving.”

Although the species has not marched into the UK yet, a spokesperson for Defra said the agency “remains vigilant” to the threat.

The countryside around Zurich has been tormented by the ants since 2018.

A city worker sprays hot water on an anthill under a playground to eliminate invasive ants.
A city worker in Kehl, Germany, treats a playground overwhelmed by a T. magnum nestCredit: Alamy
Many ants covering a white electrical box.
Power outages in Germany have been blamed on the bugsCredit: Facebook / Lutte contre la Fourmi Tapinoma Magnum – Région Corse
Close-up of several ants crawling on the ground.
The ants can form supercolonies with hundreds of queens and millions of workersCredit: Alamy

Despite an almighty effort to clear them out, the ants remain “well established” in four areas.

In Winterthur, they blocked a billion-pound construction project when they settled exactly where a multi-track railroad tunnel was planned.

In the nearby Oetwil an der Limmat region, one supercolony infested an entire five-hectare potato field – about seven football pitches.

A local, Agnes Wirth, told Swiss site SRF: “There were so many ants, you couldn’t see the floor anymore.”

However, the colony located in Volketswil, across from Zurich, is much larger, covering an area equivalent to 35 football fields, buzzing with these industrious insects.

The infestation is so enormous that the local authority has been legally forced to act.

Katharina Weber of the Zurich Department of Construction said: “In areas with large infestations, a coordinated approach by specialists is required.

Close-up of a Tapinoma magnum ant crawling on the ground.
They displace the earth beneath tarmac – causing roads and pavements to sinkCredit: Alamy
Tapinoma magnum ant nest.
A power box overwhelmed by the antsCredit: TFI
Close-up of ants crawling on a curb.
The ants are small and look similar to the black garden ant in the UKCredit: Alamy

“This means a plan is needed, and special pest controllers must be deployed. These can target the insecticide at the nests.”

In the UK, DEFRA recommends that anyone who sees a non-native insect species takes a photo and reports it.

Mike Fox, who manages records for the Bees, Wasps, and Ants Recording Society, stated: “As far as I am aware, there are currently no instances of Tapinoma magnum establishing themselves in the UK. However, this could potentially happen in the future.”

Niall Gallagher, the Technical Manager at British Pest Control Association, said they closely monitor pest species – including Tapinoma magnum.

He explained to The Sun: “Studies on supercolonies of Tapinoma magnum in Switzerland have revealed that these ants thrive outdoors, capable of foraging even when temperatures drop to 6 degrees during winter months.”

“Individual efforts by homeowners and gardeners are not sufficient to effectively control an infestation, and specifically tailored pest control solutions are needed to eradicate a colony.”

He recommend that anyone concerned about an ant infestation contacts a professional pest controller for help.

Tapinoma magnum species

According to the British Pest Control Association, one of T. magnum’s most striking traits is their procession behaviour.

These ants form conspicuous trails across pavements and up buildings, often in large, coordinated lines.

These trails are reinforced with pheromones and can span several metres, connecting different parts of their supercolony.

To the untrained eye, this may look like a very active colony of common ants – but the sheer volume and organised movement can be a telltale sign of T. magnum.

In established infestations, these trails may even lead into buildings, across walls or deep into pavements and garden features.

If the species were to establish here, pest professionals would likely rely on a combination of bait gels (such as indoxacarb or imidacloprid) and surface treatments, as was done successfully in Zurich, Switzerland.

As always, public awareness and early reporting are vital tools in managing invasive pests.

Think you’ve seen something unusual? Here’s what to do:

  • Don’t disturb the nest
  • Take clear, close-up photos of the ants and any distinctive behaviour (such as trail formation or large aggregations)
  • Report the sighting to the Non-native Species Secretariat via their website
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Walmart shopping carts.

Walmart Under Fire: Defends Controversial Policy That’s a Blow to Customers and Employees

Walmart shareholders have rejected motions aimed at revamping the company’s approach to…
Close-up of a man's face.

Suspect in Cold Case Murder of Young Mother Commits Suicide on Video Call During Police Questioning

A MURDER suspect in a 14-year-old cold case shot himself in the…
Jack Daniel's maker reveals surprising reason why Americans are drinking less whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Maker Uncovers Unexpected Reasons for Decline in American Whiskey Consumption

Executives from Jack Daniel’s parent company, Brown-Forman Corp., have indicated that the…
Elon Musk hints at new ‘America Party’ as Trump fumes billionaire has ‘lost his mind’ after bitter bromance break-up

Elon Musk Suggests Launching New ‘America Party’ Amid Tensions with Trump After Friendship Fallout

ELON Musk has hinted at launching a new political party amid a…
President Trump banned travel from 12 countries, but included some exceptions to avoid legal battles

Trump Implements Travel Ban on 12 Nations, Includes Exceptions to Prevent Legal Issues

MIAMI — The recent travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries and…
'USAID' paperwork found in car of Boulder terror attack suspect targeting pro-Israel group

Man Charged in Boulder Firebombing at Pro-Israel Event Faces Federal Hate Crime Allegation in Court

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The person suspected of…
US sanctions money laundering network aiding Iran as regime faces nuclear reprimand at IAEA

US Imposes Sanctions on Money Laundering Network Supporting Iran Amidst Nuclear Reproval at IAEA

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! On Friday, the Department…
Jury skepticism of experts could determine outcome in Karen Read murder trial: former judge

Former Judge Suggests Jury’s Doubt of Expert Testimonies Could Influence Karen Read Murder Trial Verdict

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Whenever there’s a battle…
The horse Bobby Flay couldn't sell has long-shot Belmont Stakes dream

The Unsellable Horse Owned by Bobby Flay Aims for a Surprise Victory at Belmont Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS — With 15-1 odds, Crudo is unlikely to beat Kentucky…

Father Accused of Killing Three Daughters Suspected of Hiding Near Tourist Site, Recent Photo Fuels Speculation

THE dad accused of killing his three daughters is believed to be…
‘Psychotic' Sydney Sweeney admits she’s ‘really vicious’ on set

‘Sydney Sweeney Confesses to Being Intensely Fierce on Set’

Don’t let her sweet personality fool you. Sydney Sweeney recently revealed that…
Notorious 'Devil in the Ozarks' finally caught after weeks-long manhunt that drew multiple agencies

Infamous ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ Captured Following Weeks-Long Multi-Agency Search

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Escapee Grant Hardin, a…