Ant control has started
18.08.2025 – For the first time, a pest controller arrived in Bürgel with a tanker full of hot water with biological additives to control the invasive Tapinoma Magnum ant species. The operation, commissioned by ESO Eigenbetrieb kommunale Dienstleistungen, lasted several hours and was an initial test to determine whether this control method is successful against the rapidly spreading ant species.
The campaign was supported by an employee of Stadtwerke Offenbach's Stadtservice, who pointed out the largest occurrences within the distribution area mapped by an expert. A total of 5000 liters of water were poured into the entrances of the nests with a lance in order to reach the eggs and queens. Tapinoma magnum is harmless to humans. However, the invasive species can cause damage because it can undermine and sink sidewalks, terraces and other parts of the infrastructure. In some cases, the insects have also invaded houses.
City promotes a coordinated approach
To ensure that control does not only take place on public land, the city has invited property owners in the area concerned to a meeting to inform them about the possibilities of a coordinated joint approach. Private individuals can either hire a pest controller of their choice or follow the recommendations of the expert present that evening. Further information can be found on the city's website.
"We would like to encourage property owners to join us in hiring an expert to combat Tapinoma Magnum in a coordinated manner," says City Treasurer and responsible department head Martin Wilhelm. "As outlined in the report, we as a city in public spaces and the owners of private properties must act in a coordinated and simultaneous manner if we want to successfully combat these ants."