Authorities race to contain invasive electric ants in southern France
Species will spread rapidly unless efforts are intensified, scientists say
Genetic analysis suggests the electric ants found in Var are the same as those in Israeli, and Cyprus, originating in Argentina
Juru Desain/Shutterstock
Scientists are calling for more resources to help eradicate invasive electric ants after the discovery of a third colony in south-eastern France. They warn the species could spread further if their efforts stall.
Researchers say that delays linked to funding shortages and regulatory hurdles are slowing attempts to eliminate the species before it becomes firmly established in mainland France.
“There is urgency,” Luc Gomel, an agronomist at Paul Valéry University Montpellier 3, told The Connexion.
“The fact that we have detected them early means it is still largely in our hands. But we have to act before they spread.”
The latest colony, verified in March in Cavalaire-sur-Mer, joins earlier detections near Toulon in 2022 and La Croix-Valmer in 2024.
Researchers fear the response may become harder as France tightens environmental spending.
Public funding of nearly €200,000 was secured for treatment around Toulon, but campaigners say progress at La Croix-Valmer has stalled.
AFP reports that only €10,000 was recently released to map the spread of the infestation there.
Scientists are now also seeking European support as cuts loom to the government’s Green Fund under the proposed 2026 budget.
Treatment difficulties
Efforts to eradicate the ants have also been complicated by the lack of effective approved insecticides in Europe.
Conventional bait traps sold in France have proved largely ineffective because the ants often avoid them.
Researchers instead imported an Australian insecticide called Campaign under a temporary exemption.
Early trials using bait boxes in Toulon produced disappointing results.
“The Australian insecticide we are using is not ideal - it is very toxic, but apparently the only product that works,” Mr Gomel said.
Authorities are now attempting a more aggressive strategy already used in Australia and Hawaii, involving direct dispersal of insecticide over affected land, including by drone in difficult terrain.
Several hectares are expected to be treated this summer, however researchers estimate eradication could require at least three years of continuous treatment.
Concerns over spread
The ants likely arrived in France through imported plants or green waste.
Genetic analysis suggests the electric ants found in Var are the same as those in Israeli, and Cyprus, originating in Argentina and believed to be more resistant to cold than the species’ tropical cousins. This has raised concerns the ants could eventually spread to the north.
France’s experience with other invasive species – including tiger mosquitoes and Asian hornets – has heightened fears that the opportunity to contain the insect could quickly disappear.
“We do not yet have sufficient hindsight,” Mr Gomel said. “But everything depends on how quickly we respond now.”
What are electric ants?
Electric ants, also known as little fire ants, are tiny insects measuring around 1-2mm and are light brown to ginger in colour.
Native to South America, Wasmannia auropunctata is considered one of the world’s worst invasive species.
Their sting, often compared to an electric shock, can cause severe pain, swelling and, in some cases, allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock.
In countries where the species has spread widely, repeated stings around the eyes have caused blindness in cats and dogs.
The ants are also highly destructive to ecosystems. Researchers say they displace native insects and attack small animals, bird nests and arthropods.
Authorities advise against attempting treatment with shop-bought insecticides, which are generally ineffective.
Suspected sightings should instead be reported to local authorities or organisations including Fredon PACA and Office français de la biodiversité.
