Tapinoma ant spreads in Saxony

Three sites of the introduced ant species Tapinoma magnum are currently documented in Saxony. In addition to Coswig and Langebrück, it has been spotted in the Dresden district of Übigau, according to the State Office for Environmental Geology and Agriculture. The large glandular ant can invade houses and threaten technical infrastructure. There have already been power and internet outages in the border town of Kehl in Baden. In Germany, the insect has so far mainly been found in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse. Since spring 2025, the species has also been known from Saxony.

He has classified occurrences of the Tapinoma magnum species in Dresden-Langebrück and in a garden center in Coswig, reported Bernhard Seifert, the former head of the flying insects section at the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History in Görlitz. He has written several specialist articles on the Tapinoma ant genus.

Ants arrive via the import of Mediterranean potted plants

Tapinoma magnum and two other Tapinoma species that form super-colonies are mainly spread by the import of Mediterranean potted plants - typically via garden centers - but also through vegetable cultivation, according to Seifert. "As more and more Mediterranean plants are being planted in gardens or restaurants like to decorate their outdoor areas with olive trees, we can also expect a wide spread in Saxony."

How can you recognize the glandular ant?

In contrast to what its scientific name Tapinoma magnum suggests, the black ant is not very large, usually measuring just two to four millimetres. However, considerable differences in size are characteristic. Some workers are twice as large as others. Tapinoma magnum emits an intense scent when threatened. It often travels along ant trails. Conspicuous mounds of sand and earth form around nest entrances. If they are disturbed, a large number of animals can suddenly be seen.

How can the introduced ant be controlled?

According to experts, the insects are difficult to control. This is because their super colonies have hundreds of thousands to millions of animals. Experts advise private individuals not to use insecticides. This is because it is usually not possible to permanently eliminate entire colonies. In addition, insecticides used indoors could be harmful to human health. Researchers recommend informing the local authority in the event of an infestation. In Kehl, for example, hot water devices are used to combat the ant species in certain areas.