Invasive African Big-Headed Ant Confirmed for First Time in Israel

The Environmental Protection Ministry announced on October 29 that the African big-headed ant, Pheidole megacephala, has been identified in Israel for the first time. Residents’ reports led to its detection in Haifa’s Neve Sha’anan neighborhood, particularly Givat Hashavshevet and nearby streets. Reports of ants in the Hadar neighborhood are still being checked. The ministry describes the species as one of the world’s 100 most harmful invasive species. It says the ant poses no danger to human health, but can damage ecosystems, displace native species and harm agriculture. Originally from Africa, it can spread when infested plant pots, seedlings, soil or garden waste are moved between locations. Haifa Municipality has begun testing four pesticide products in affected areas, with the ministry and Tel Aviv University involved in the effort. Dr. Shay Reicher, head of the ministry’s pests and pest-control division, called for rapid, systematic professional intervention before the species becomes established and spreads further. Monitoring for additional infestation sites is continuing. The brown ants are about 2–3 millimeters long. Their colonies include small workers and workers with unusually large heads, often moving in dense trails, but definitive identification requires a professional examination. The ministry is asking residents to send photographs and precise locations of suspected sightings to Pestcontrol@sviva.gov.il, and to avoid moving potentially infested soil, pots and garden waste.