Jena, 15.05.2026. A massive supercolony of the so-called invasive garden ant is currently spreading extensively in parts of the Jena city center. The invasive insects are increasingly penetrating private premises, including the bedrooms of residents.
- What: Spread of an ant supercolony (Species: Invasive garden ant / Lasius neglectus)
- Extent: The colony covers an estimated area of 60 football fields.
- Where: Parts of the Jena city center; the infestation extends into private apartments.
- Current Situation: Pest controllers are deployed; local politicians are seeking management strategies.
Asian Insects Form Massive Network
The scale of the current ant population is enormous: according to current reports, the affected area in the city covers a surface area roughly equivalent to 60 football fields. The animals are the „Invasive Garden Ant“ (Lasius neglectus), an invasive species originally from Asia. Affected residents complain of massive disturbances caused by the crawling insects, which enter residential buildings in search of food and nesting sites.
Local pest controllers are already in continuous operation but are reaching their limits due to the sheer size of the continuous colony. Jena city politicians have been informed of the situation and are currently looking for far-reaching solutions to contain the spread and provide sustainable relief for affected households.
Background: The Invasive Garden Ant and Prevention
The invasive garden ant was only discovered in Europe in the late 1980s. Its major evolutionary advantage: unlike many native ant species, neighboring nests of this species do not fight each other. They cooperate and form gigantic „supercolonies“ with countless queens. This makes their complete eradication in infested areas extremely difficult, as local control measures often only provide short-term relief before neighboring ants recolonize the area.
Tips for affected residents:
- Seal access points: Joints, cracks in masonry, and leaks at windows and doors should be sealed with silicone or filler where possible.
- Remove food sources: Food – especially sweets and pet food – should always be stored airtight in glass or plastic containers. Household waste must be disposed of regularly.
- Professional help: Home remedies such as baking powder or conventional bait boxes from the supermarket are usually ineffective against a supercolony of this magnitude. Tenants should immediately inform the property management to hire professional pest controllers.
Source:
60 football fields of ants – Invasive Asian garden ants spread in Jena
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.