TOULON: Monique BARBUT faces the electric ant, new weapons tested in the Var

Minister Monique Barbut attended trials of a new dusting technique to fight the electric ant in the Var. The fight against the electric ant, a particularly aggressive invasive alien species, reached a new milestone this Friday, May 22, 2026. Monique Barbut, Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and Climate and Nature Negotiations, traveled to the Var to supervise the first trials of a dusting treatment technique. This method, recently authorized by a ministerial decree, aims to more effectively eradicate the outbreaks of this species, which has been proliferating in the department since its first detection in 2022.

A health, ecological, and economic scourge

Native to Central and South America, the electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) is classified as an invasive alien species at the European level, imposing an obligation for rapid intervention. Its presence is far from harmless. On a health level, its stings, although generally harmless, are repetitive and very painful, significantly degrading the quality of life of residents in infested areas. The environmental impact is also severe. The electric ant tends to eliminate local ant species, deeply disrupting biodiversity. It also promotes the development of aphids and mealybugs, weakening vegetation and crops. Finally, economic consequences are feared. In already colonized territories like Chypre, the species poses such problems for agriculture that difficulties in recruiting agricultural labor are observed.

Three active outbreaks identified in the Var

The department of the Var is on the front line of this invasion. The first outbreak, described as historical, was identified in Toulon in 2022 following reports of stings dating back to 2019. It is currently estimated at about four hectares. A second outbreak was discovered in 2024 in La Croix-Valmer, covering nearly three hectares. More recently, in March 2026, a third outbreak was detected in Cavalaire-sur-Mer. Genetic analyses revealed that the clone present in the Var is identical to the one found in Chypre and Israël, raising the crucial question of introduction pathways, probably linked to the transport of plants or soil.

From experimentation to a more intensive fight

A first operational control project was launched in 2025 in Toulon, led by university experts Luc Gomel and Olivier Blight, with FREDON PACA as the field operator. The initial protocol, based on bait dispensers, showed its effectiveness in built-up areas but also its limits. Since the electric ant lives in small, not very mobile colonies, many "forgotten areas" between dispensers became reservoirs allowing recolonization. In response to this finding, the dusting technique was proposed. By allowing a more homogeneous application of the product, it aims to leave no chance for residual colonies. Its authorization by ministerial derogation marks a turning point in the eradication strategy.

Towards an arsenal of complementary solutions

In parallel with this new method, a second product was authorized on an exceptional basis. It has the advantage of using a molecule already approved in organic agriculture, a promising lead for ecologically sensitive areas. However, its real effectiveness on the electric ant under local climatic conditions remains to be proven. Specific trials are therefore being launched this year to evaluate its attractiveness, effectiveness, and durability. The objective is not to replace the current protocol, but ultimately to build a range of complementary solutions, easier to deploy depending on the context.

A general and funded mobilization

The State's strategy is now divided into several areas. First, it involves continuing treatments on the historical outbreak in Toulon with the goal of total eradication. Second, it is imperative to act quickly on the new outbreaks in La Croix-Valmer and Cavalaire-sur-Mer. This involves detailed mapping of infested areas, close coordination with the concerned owners, massive treatment campaigns, and preventive measures to prevent dissemination, particularly through green waste management. To optimize monitoring and responsiveness, a reporting application has been set up: Vigi-sud.fr. This war effort is supported by significant funding from the State, which currently stands at 440,000 euros.