Occurrence of Tropical and Imported Ant Species in Europe (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract:
Climatic changes, tourism and travel, intensive product deliveries, especially of tropical plants, all contribute to the growth of ant infestations in Europe. These rapidly adopting ant species might need to be more thoroughly learnt and understood and possibly new, inventive eradication systems be developed. The black ant (Lasius niger) is popular indigenous species and present nearly everywhere in Europe. Lasius neglectus is a new introduction in Europe. The most widely present tropical ants are the Pharaoh’s ants (Monomorium pharaonis) and the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) in the Southern European region. The Crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis) in the UK may grow to a heavy infestation as well. The traditional insecticides spraying seem to remain insufficient, and the European Directives that gives less opportunities of using insecticides. As most tropical ant species are invasive and aggressive they inhabit built-up areas. There is a considerable danger of spreading diseases, especially in public health institutions. The authors give an account of the current European tropical ant infestations. They also introduce their recent results of an insect growth regulator containing baiting systems that where used to eradication of the Pharaoh’s ant colonies.