a threat to residents and biodiversity

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Tiny, orange and terribly invasive, the electric ant, originally from South Americacontinues its progress in the Var. After a first outbreak discovered in 2022 in Toulon, Radio France reveals that a second outbreak has been identified in Croix-Valmer.

A sting equivalent to “an electric shock”

Frédéric is the one who raised the alarm, owner of a house in the subdivision affected by the electric ant invasion, described to our colleagues, an untenable situation: “My 5 year old son was stung, it’s extremely irritating, like an electric shock. » For this resident, daily living has become a headache: “We have to check everything: where we sit, where we walk. It's very painful. »

An invasive species of concern

Present in Europe since 2016, this species spreads through international plant tradeespecially in garden centers. Global warming also facilitates its installation in regions where it was absent until now.

This South American ant reproduces by parthenogenesis, a cloning which accelerates its expansion and this is where all its dangerousness lies, as well as its powerful venom.

It threatens local ecosystems by eliminating insects and the species that depend on them.

A complex and urgent struggle

Classified as an “invasive species of concern” by the European Union in 2022, the electric ant is a threat to health authorities. Since traditional ant control products are ineffective.

A specific solution imported from Australia was used for the first outbreak in Toulon, after obtaining a waiver from ANSES. But for the Croix-Valmer home, the administrative procedures take time, while the spread of the ant does not slow down.

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