‘Electric Ants’ Which Can Cause House Fires Have Invaded Britain, Experts Warn

Highly aggressive Asian ‘super ants’ which infest electrical sockets, causing blackouts and fires, have arrived in the UK from Turkey.

The so-called ‘electric ant’ - lasius neglectus - has been found in massive colonies in Yorkshire and Sussex this year.

Experts warn that the anti is highly aggressive and can overwhelm native species.

Elva Robinson, also of York University, said:‘Apart from being slightly smaller, the invasive garden ant looks a lot like our common native garden ant so they can be difficult to recognise.

'We think the invasive ants have the potential to have a big impact on the native ecosystem.

'In the sites we have studied, it is clear they are excluding the native ants.

'They are clearly dominating, and where they cluster, native species are being pushed out.

'So far, they have been discovered in gardens and glass houses, but we don’t yet know whether these ants will be able to thrive outside areas of human habitation.

'Gaining a strong understanding of its new place in the native habitat will help manage the situation, and we are on the look-out for new sites in likely areas and can verify new sites as reported by pest control, as garden ants can be difficult for members of the public to identify.