Invasive Electric Ant Threatens French Ecosystems and Public Health

The electric ant, Wasmannia auropunctata, an invasive species first detected in mainland France in 2022, poses serious environmental and health risks across affected regions. Measuring only 1.5 millimeters, this tiny ant has established a super-colony in Toulon and has expanded to areas including La Croix-Valmer, where painful stings have caused severe irritation and blistering in children during the summer of 2023.

Recognized as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species by France's National Institute for Agricultural Research (Inrae), the electric ant threatens local biodiversity by decimating native ant populations and other arthropods. It also harms plants and can cause anaphylactic shocks in allergic individuals, with pets at risk of blindness following stings. The European Commission classifies it as a significant environmental hazard.

Despite public funding nearing €200,000 for eradication in Toulon, efforts are hampered by bureaucratic delays and limited budgets, with only €10,000 allocated to identify the ant’s presence in La Croix-Valmer. Conventional ant treatments have proven ineffective, and researchers are exploring an Australian product called Campaign, though its use requires special authorization due to toxicological concerns highlighted by the Ministry of Ecological Transition.

The ant’s ability to spread through vegetation and potted plants complicates eradication, which experts estimate could take at least three years to achieve. Current research seeks additional European support to manage the invasion more effectively. Urgent action is needed to protect France's ecosystems and public health from the rapid and damaging spread of this invasive ant species.