One of the 100 most harmful invasive species in the world: the ant discovered in Haifa

The big-headed ant, one of the 100 most harmful invasive species in the world, was identified for the first time in Israel in the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood of Haifa. The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced this, and monitoring and extermination operations have begun to prevent its spread.

A new invasive species has been discovered for the first time in Israel: the big-headed ant, considered one of the 100 most harmful invasive species in the world, was identified in the Neve Sha'anan neighborhood of Haifa. The Ministry of Environmental Protection announced this today (Thursday), and following the discovery, monitoring and extermination operations have begun to prevent its spread. The ant, which originates from Africa, is not dangerous to humans but may harm ecosystems, displace local species, and damage agriculture. It was detected following reports from residents, and reports from the Hadar neighborhood are also being examined. The Haifa Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Tel Aviv University, has launched a pilot to test four extermination agents. Dr. Shai Reicher, head of the Pests and Extermination Division at the Ministry, emphasized the need for swift and professional action. The Ministry calls on residents to report sightings and avoid moving soil or plants from infested areas.