Latest news with #NiallGallagher
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Mega-colonies of 'SUPER ANTS' are storming through Europe, wiping out power supplies and even roads - and experts warn they're headed for the UK
Brits should be on the lookout for an invasive 'super ant' that's storming through Europe, experts warn The species, called Tapinoma magnum, is native to the Mediterranean region – but has swiftly moved further north into France, Germany and Switzerland. The pest tunnels under roads and bites through electric cables, causing power cuts, internet outages, and thousands of pounds in damage. Anyone who squashes a T. magnum ant is greeted by the stench of rancid butter, the Sun reports. So far, there have been no verified records of T. magnum in the UK – but experts say the species could potentially cross the English channel. 'There's always some risk with species like this,' Niall Gallagher, technical manager at British Pest Control Association (BPCA), told MailOnline. 'Like any invasive species, 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.' T. magnum is native to north African and Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Spain and Italy. But in the last few years the species has reached further northwards into France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands. According to Mr Gallagher at the BPCA, the ants spread north mainly through horticultural imports – especially potted plants and trees from the Mediterranean. They have 'remarkable cold tolerance', surviving harsh German winters, and can thrive in disturbed, urban environments – such as patios, pavements and garden centres. Worryingly, T. magnum forms 'supercolonies' of 20 million ants across 60 acres due to a 'tireless determination to expand', the Sun reports. When two colonies encounter one another, they merge together 'in alliance' rather than attacking – gradually forming one massive colony with multiple queens. They build their nests in the ground and as a result displace the earth beneath tarmac – causing roads and pavements to sink. In the German city of Kehl, the supercolonies led to disruptions to power and internet connections as the insects bit through electric cables. How to spot Tapinoma magnum T. magnum look similar to the black garden ant (Lasius niger) but the invasive species is identified by its distinctive procession behaviour. These ants form conspicuous trails across pavements and up buildings, often in large, coordinated lines. 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. A Kehl playground had to close last summer because the Tapinoma ants had completely tunneled under the entire area, SRF reports. Meanwhile, in Switzerland, where the species was first discovered in 2018, T. magnum has caused a 'plague' of the beasts in Zurich. In the nearby Oetwil an der Limmat region, one supercolony infested a potato field the size of about seven football pitches. A local, Agnes Wirth, told SRF: 'There were so many ants, you couldn't see the floor anymore.' T. magnum are black in colour, measure an average of 3 mm (0.1-inch), and look very similar to the black garden ant (Lasius niger), according to the BPCA. Although even experts may struggle to tell the two species apart on appearance alone, T. magnum can be discerned by a distinctive 'procession' behaviour. A colony of the invasive ants forms conspicuous trails across pavements and up buildings, often in large, coordinated lines. To the untrained eye, this may look like a very active colony of black garden ant, but the sheer volume and organised movement can be a telltale sign of T. magnum. If the species were to establish in the UK, pest professionals would likely rely on a combination of bait gels (such as indoxacarb or imidacloprid) and surface treatments, as successfully done in Zurich. 'Individual efforts by homeowners and gardeners can't control an infestation,' said Mr Gallagher. 'Specifically tailored pest control solutions are needed to eradicate a colony.' Although spread mainly through imported plants, climate change may also be playing a role in helping the ants survive further north than previously possible. Warmer winters and longer summers in the UK could make colonisation here more likely, just like with several 'alien' species. 'Tapinoma magnum has profound impacts on local communities,' said Ricardo Pereira, biologist at the Natural History Museum Stuttgart. 'With progressive global warming and a warmer spring, more alien species will follow.'
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- Scottish Sun
Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK
One supercolony nest in Switzerland is the size of 35 football pitches BUG OFF Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 Tapinoma magnum ants have been moving north through Europe Credit: Getty 9 They can chomp through electric cables, cutting out power supplies Credit: TFI 9 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 Wirth 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. read more in world news POOL POSITION Tourists wear sprint shoes & STRETCH before dawn dash for Magaluf pool spot 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 Gallagher 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. 9 A city worker in Kehl, Germany, treats a playground overwhelmed by a T. magnum nest Credit: Alamy 9 Power outages in Germany have been blamed on the bugs Credit: Facebook / Lutte contre la Fourmi Tapinoma Magnum - Région Corse 9 The ants can form supercolonies with hundreds of queens and millions of workers Credit: 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." But that is dwarfed by the colony in Volketswil, on the other side of Zurich, where an area the size of 35 football pitches is teeming with the busy-body bugs. 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. 9 They displace the earth beneath tarmac - causing roads and pavements to sink Credit: Alamy 9 A power box overwhelmed by the ants Credit: TFI 9 The ants are small and look similar to the black garden ant in the UK Credit: 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, record manager for the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society, said: "As far as I know, there are no records of Tapinoma magnum becoming established in the UK but of course it could possible in the future." Niall Gallagher, the Technical Manager at British Pest Control Association, said they closely monitor pest species - including Tapinoma magnum. He told The Sun: "Research on Tapinoma magnum supercolonies in Switzerland has found that these ants live outdoors and can continue to forage at temperatures as low as 6 degrees during the 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.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Science
- The Irish Sun
Rancid-smelling super ants that form whopping colonies & even eat CABLES rampaging across Europe – & could infest the UK
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. Advertisement 9 Tapinoma magnum ants have been moving north through Europe Credit: Getty 9 They can chomp through electric cables, cutting out power supplies Credit: TFI 9 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 Wirth Oetwil 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. Advertisement read more in world news 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. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive 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. Advertisement 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 Gallagher Technical 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. Advertisement "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. 9 A city worker in Kehl, Germany, treats a playground overwhelmed by a T. magnum nest Credit: Alamy Advertisement 9 Power outages in Germany have been blamed on the bugs Credit: Facebook / Lutte contre la Fourmi Tapinoma Magnum - Région Corse 9 The ants can form supercolonies with hundreds of queens and millions of workers Credit: 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. Advertisement 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 But that is dwarfed by the colony in Volketswil, on the other side of Zurich, where an area the size of 35 football pitches is teeming with the busy-body bugs. The infestation is so enormous that the local authority has been legally forced to act. Advertisement Katharina Weber of the Zurich Department of Construction said: "In areas with large infestations, a coordinated approach by specialists is required. 9 They displace the earth beneath tarmac - causing roads and pavements to sink Credit: Alamy 9 A power box overwhelmed by the ants Credit: TFI 9 The ants are small and look similar to the black garden ant in the UK Credit: Alamy Advertisement "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, record manager for the Bees, Wasps and Ants Recording Society, said: "As far as I know, there are no records of Tapinoma magnum becoming established in the UK but of course it could possible in the future ." Niall Gallagher, the Technical Manager at British Pest Control Association, said they closely monitor pest species - including Tapinoma magnum. Advertisement He told The Sun: "Research on Tapinoma magnum supercolonies in Switzerland has found that these ants live outdoors and can continue to forage at temperatures as low as 6 degrees during the 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
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to get rid of mosquitoes in the house as West Nile virus found
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has given advice to help people in the South West avoid mosquito problems. This comes after the West Nile virus was found in UK mosquitoes for the first time. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said that the risk to the public is "very low" and there is no evidence of the virus spreading among birds or mosquitoes in the country. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, said: "According to UKHSA, West Nile virus is endemic in various regions across the globe, including Europe and in recent years has expanded to more northerly and western regions of mainland Europe." READ MORE: West Nile virus identified in UK mosquitoes for first time He added: "In the UK, the main issue with mosquito bites is that they can cause swelling and itchiness. "Usually, this causes some discomfort, but in some cases a reaction to the bite, or infection caused by scratching, can require further action and we would recommend checking advice on insect bites and stings at He advised people to keep windows and doors shut at dawn and dusk, use fly screens, fit lids to water butts and empty outdoor containers to prevent mosquitoes. Anyone who suspects a mosquito infestation should seek professional help. He said: "BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals with access to a range of specialist products."
The Independent
08-04-2025
- General
- The Independent
Local authority pest control call-outs up 3% over a year
Local authority pest control services were called out to 291,132 homes across the UK last year, up 3% on the year before and an increase of 9% on 2022, figures show. Councils responded to an additional 52 rat or mouse-related call-outs per day last year compared with 2022, Freedom of Information (FoI) requests by Direct Line home insurance found. Bedbug infestations also soared by 35% between 2022 and 2024, while cockroach removal visits increased by 13% over the same period. East Suffolk Council experienced the largest rise in rat or mouse-related call-outs last year, increasing by 325% on the previous year, followed by Eastleigh Borough Council in Hampshire, which saw a rise of 134%. The analysis found the availability of council-operated pest control services remains a postcode lottery. Just 5% of councils which responded to the FoI request provide rat and mice removal services free of charge to residents. The majority require residents to pay a fee ranging from £10 to £283. Some 24% of councils do not offer a pest control service, or have discontinued them, leaving residents in those areas forced to seek alternative solutions. The average cost to a council of providing pest control services is more than £125,000, according to the study. Maria Lawrence, from Direct Line, said: 'Infestations can not only cause huge damage to people's homes, they also pose a huge health hazard. 'Householders should take precautions to avoid attracting pests and needing to bring in the council's version of the Pied Piper of Hamelin by storing rubbish in securely closed containers rather than plastic bags that provide easy access to rats and other pests.' Niall Gallagher, technical and compliance manager at the British Pest Control Association, said: 'The statistics show a significant uptick in call-outs, so it is increasingly important for residents to consider calling a professional at the first sign of pest activity. ' Rats and mice are a public health concern and have rapid breeding cycles, which means an infestation can quickly escalate. 'Bedbug infestations are tricky to deal with and horribly distressing for those that have to live alongside them, meaning a pest professional should always deal with them.'
