Invasive Ants from the Alps Spread North in Germany

The German magazine FOCUS features an article about ants which seem to be exceptionally aggressive as they keep heading north. Nothing can really stop them. Coming from the Alps, where they are from, they have come as far as Munich. As soon as people sit down outdoors on benches, in parks or playgrounds, they ‘attack’ their invader by crawling all over. Experts say that not even poison does the job because the queen who is the only one producing eggs is fed with the best food. Hence, the ants workers may end up taking poison to their ‘quarters’ and eliminate part of the brood, but in several months, if not weeks, they have compensated the loss. The queen is not affected.
National Geographic issued findings of a study on ants living in the city as well. Scientists revealed that they have never before seen an ants species invading cities and building like this. As they move on, their colonies become larger and more complex than before, which makes them invasive. On the other hand, ants spreading in the city is not surprising since it is the ideal place to nest and eat for them. (Source Photo: National Geographic)