Stadtservice starts fighting the large glandular ant again
23.03.2026 – With rising temperatures, the workers of the great glandular ant (Tapinoma magnum) are now becoming active again in Offenbach after several weeks of hibernation. Stadtwerke Offenbach's Stadtservice is asking people to report any first sightings on private property. The aim is to gain an overview of whether the invasive species is continuing to spread.
At the same time, Stadtservice has already started to combat the ants in public areas. Owners of private properties in the area around the Bürgel cemetery and in the harbor are urgently requested to also take action against this ant species.
The large glandular ant originally comes from the Mediterranean region and has also been detected in Germany in recent years - including in Offenbach. It is introduced, for example, via patio wood or in the soil of Mediterranean plants. Tapinoma magnum does not yet have any natural predators here and can therefore spread almost unhindered. It forms very large colonies with several queens that are constantly laying new eggs. As a result, the animals can reproduce much faster than native ant species and form large nests. Initial experience shows that areas that are already colonized by native ant species are avoided by Tapinoma magnum. The native species should therefore not be removed.
Ants can cause damage
The difference between native species and Tapinoma magnum can be recognized on the one hand by the fact that the invasive species' pathways, the so-called ant trails, often run parallel on several tracks. Native species usually run on only one track in a row. The odor of the glandular ant is very distinctive: If you rub one of the individuals, it emits a pungent odor that many describe as chemical.
The ants can cause damage by undermining sidewalks, patios or courtyard paving, causing them to sink into the ground. The animals can also enter buildings in search of food.
Combating with hot water
Stadtwerke Offenbach's Stadtservice primarily uses hot water to combat ants on public areas such as sidewalks or walls. This is pressed into the ground between sidewalk joints, for example, and kills the eggs in the nests. However, as the animals do not stick to property boundaries, it is also necessary to control them on private property. This can also be done with hot water, but a professional pest controller can also be called in.