New Invasive Ant Species Identified in Israel's Haifa

By דודי גרליץ

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Hebrew · 15 newsrooms covering

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection has confirmed the first detection of the invasive African big-headed ant in Haifa, following resident reports. The ant, considered highly damaging globally, poses risks to ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure, though not directly to human health. Authorities are collaborating on mapping, monitoring, and control efforts, including a pilot pesticide program in Haifa. The public is asked to report sightings and avoid moving soil or plants from affected areas.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

The African big-headed ant, a highly damaging invasive species, has been identified for the first time in Haifa, Israel.
The ant poses significant threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure, but not direct health risks to humans.
Authorities are implementing control measures, including mapping, monitoring, and a pilot pesticide program in Haifa.
Resident reports are crucial for identifying and containing the spread of the invasive ant species.
The public is urged to report sightings and avoid moving soil or plants from suspected areas.

New Invasive Ant Species Identified in Israel's Haifa — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel's Ministry of Environmental Protection has confirmed the first identification of the African big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala), an invasive species considered one of the world's most damaging. The ant was discovered in the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood of Haifa, specifically around Giv'at HaShakhet and nearby streets, following reports from residents. Investigations are also underway regarding its presence in the Hadar neighborhood. The Ministry is collaborating with the Haifa Municipality, the Nature and Parks Authority, and Tel Aviv University to map infestation sites, monitor the ant's spread, and develop control strategies to limit its presence and prevent further establishment.

Dr. Shay Reichler, Director of the Pest and Control Department at the Ministry, emphasized the need for swift, professional action to contain the species before it spreads widely. While not posing a direct health risk to humans, the ant can significantly harm ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. Dr. Reichler highlighted the importance of early detection and developing effective pest control solutions tailored to Israel's conditions, noting that resident reports of suspicious sightings are crucial for targeting control efforts.

The African big-headed ant, originating from Africa, is characterized by high reproductive rates and colonies with multiple queens and extensive nest networks. Its soldiers have notably large heads. The ant feeds on insects, seeds, and organic matter. Its establishment can lead to the displacement of native ant species, harm insects, snails, and small reptiles, and even prey on bird hatchlings. It also damages agriculture by fostering and protecting aphid pests from their natural enemies.

Similar to the invasive fire ant, it primarily spreads through the unintentional transport of contaminated potted plants, seedlings, soil, and garden waste. The Ministry has instructed the Haifa Municipality to expand monitoring and control operations in public areas. The municipality has initiated a pilot program to test various pesticides in four infested plots, with professional guidance from Tel Aviv University and weekly monitoring by the Ministry.

The public is urged to report sightings of brown ants, approximately 2-3 millimeters in size, moving in dense trails alongside larger-headed ants. Residents are also advised to avoid moving soil and plants from suspected areas to prevent further spread.